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Metra Monthly Commuter Newsletter September 2018
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A day on board Metra’s PTC test train
It’s after 9 a.m. on a mid-August weekday and a train comprised of one locomotive and two railcars leaves the yard at Blue Island heading south on the Rock Island Line to Joliet. It’s the Metra Positive Train Control (PTC) test train, and its crew has been working the line for weeks testing PTC in an actual operating environment. Up until now, most of Metra’s PTC testing has been in the lab, creating virtual scenarios and verifying the system’s performance. Now, the test train is confirming that the PTC software and hardware in the train and along the Rock Island Line works as intended.
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Nickel Plate 765 returns to Rock Island tracks
You first hear the whistle, a throaty bellow like a tornado heard through a long pipe, and over the tops of trees, you see the trail of ash-grey smoke dissipating into the air. Soon the sheer black locomotive churns into view along the track with “765” and “Nickel Plate Road” emblazoned in gold, hand-painted lettering along its side. This representative figure of a by-gone era turns heads as it chugs along Chicagoland tracks, and it’s no wonder. Catching this bellowing 100-foot-long, 404-ton steel powerhouse rolling down the rails is enough to captivate railfans and unsuspecting commuters alike.
As the locomotive prepares to return to Metra’s Rock Island Line on Sept. 15 and 16, visitors and residents in the Chicagoland region plan for an experience unlike any other.
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SEAT ENTITLEMENT?
So just about every month in the On the Bi-level is a statement/ complaint regarding the seat hoggers, who put their belongings on the seat so as not to let anyone sit there. In the July issue you stated that they may be just as tired as the person seeking a seat and to ask them politely to move their stuff. You continually make excuses for these self-absorbed riders. Well what I witnessed one day even YOU could not excuse. It was when all trains were delayed because of a car hitting a bridge. The BNSF 4:25 p.m. was eventually cancelled. So everyone had to get onto the 4:50, along with the 4:50 riders. I was lucky, got there in time to get a seat. There was one "tired" woman who had her belongings on the seat next to her and told person after person that they could not sit there as she was SAVING the seat for her husband!!! I should not even have to explain to you how crowded this train was, this was also during Taste of Chicago, and yet... she was turning people away. In fact, she refused to allow a woman who boarded with her children to sit next to her, even though the woman had seated the children in the row behind her. The woman was forced to stand in the aisle to watch her kids. Oh, the husband showed up with seconds to spare and when she whispered to him that others were irritated with her SAVING a seat on this incredibly crowded train, he just shrugged his shoulders and said too bad. I hope you print this and I hope they see themselves in it and I really hope you don't make an excuse for her. This was so wrong.
Lyn
Was she rude? Yes. Wrong? Totally. But we still stand by the recommendation of politely requesting that these seat savers/ hoggers remove their belonging so that you may sit down. But expecting the self-absorbed to see themselves in this, let alone change their ways, may be expecting a bit too much. Suffice it to say, there are no reserved seats on Metra. Move your things when asked, people! One ride without your spouse or bestie sitting next to you is not the end the world.
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NOT THE NAIL SALON
Every morning I see people putting on makeup and eating breakfast on the train. I have learned to accept these actions and the scents caused by them (even the tempting scent of coffee) as necessary evils of my morning commute. But nail polish, that’s where I draw the line. In the past two weeks I have had three different cases of fellow passengers applying nail polish on the train. Not only is this highly inconsiderate as it fills the train with the smell but it is also potentially toxic, especially in a confined space. Can we do something about this?
Concerned Kev
While we can’t declare our cars fragrance-free zones, we ask all of you reading this to be considerate of your fellow riders and confine your beauty routines to your home or office. Also, if this really bothers you or is a medical issue, speak up and make the offender or the conductor aware of it, politely of course. Chemical smells can be annoying at best and trigger allergies or asthma issues at worst – especially in a closed environment like a railcar. Remember, severe chemical sensitivities are considered a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
THE DEBATE GOES ON
On the topic of “Who gets off first...”: I no longer work downtown. But I do take Metra several times per year. In fact I will jokingly “moo” when I get off the train because that is how it feels. Just a herd of cattle. But I digress. People who feel the need to detrain first take an earlier train. Slow down. Don’t be in such a rush. Some of you may not even like your jobs so why the hurry? Why so fixated on getting off first? You do realize it’s only a few minutes from the first person to the last one, right? If you are that concerned, skip the Starbucks after getting off. You’ll likely wait longer there, than it took to detrain. Life is too short to rush everywhere. Work will always be there waiting for you. No matter what time you arrive.
Bill V.
It’s like the studies that show people who weave in and out of traffic don’t really get where they’re going that much faster but still do it anyway. Yes, we all could stand to slow down most days but honestly, most of us are unlikely to. We just ask that whether you prefer to stand or sit, you behave politely.
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Bears fans, add Metra to your game plan
The 2018 Chicago Bears season is underway. Let Metra help make the trip to the game easier for you, your friends and family.The “Bears Extra” train on the Metra Electric Line will once again serve fans during home games, stopping within walking distance of Soldier Field. Bears fans riding Metra into Chicago Union Station or Ogilvie Transportation Center can board the CTA’s No. 128 Express for a quick trip to Soldier Field.
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Metra marks rail safety week Sept. 23-30
Metra will partner with the Illinois Chiefs of Police and Operation Lifesaver for National Rail Safety Week. As part of this weeklong event, Metra will hold safety blitzes at stations across the region to educate our riders about the importance of rail safety, and Metra staff will participate in numerous other safety events across the region. The week will also include the kickoff of Metra’s Annual Safety Poster and Essay Contest.
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History on the move
Members of Metra’s Engineering Department watch the old New Lenox Station building move over the tracks Aug. 15 on its journey to Konow’s Farm in Homer Glen. The New Lenox Historical Society relocated and preserved the 118-year-old structure, which is being replaced as a part of a redevelopment. During the journey to its new home, Com Ed workers lifted power lines and traffic signals along the route to accommodate the move.
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Metra Board Meeting
The September meeting of the Metra Board of Directors will be held at 9 a.m. in the 13th floor board room of Metra headquarters, 547 W. Jackson. Go here to see the agenda two days before the meeting and a webcast the day of the meeting.
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Take Metra to Riot Fest
The 2018 edition of Riot Fest is coming once again to Chicago's Douglas Park with an eclectic line up of musical artists. The Western Avenue stop on Metra's BNSF Line is a short walk from the venue. For more information, click here.
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Fulton Market Harvest Fest
One of the city's hottest dining districts welcomes autumn with the Fulton Market Harvest Fest. Enjoy tastings from some of the best West Loop restaurants, accompanied by beer, cocktails and cooking demos. The market is an easy walk or cab ride away from Metra's Ogilvie Transportation Center and Chicago Union Station. For more information, click here.
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Ravenswood Art Walk
Enjoy a day of exploring artist studios and small businesses that call the area adjacent to the Ravenswood Station on the Metra Union Pacific North Line home. For more information, click here.
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Chicago Gourmet
Come join some of Chicago and America's top chefs for a five-day celebration of the culinary arts and music held at locations across the city, including a two-day tasting and cooking demonstration event featuring more than 200 restaurants at Millennium Park. For more information and tickets, click here.
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Expo Chicago at Navy Pier
For the 7th year, Navy Pier hosts the International Exposition of Contemporary and Modern Art. This year's fair features 135 leading international exhibitors of contemporary art representing 27 countries and 63 cities from around the world. For more information on the event, click here.
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ATTENTION METRA
EMPLOYEES AND RIDERS!
All METRA employees and riders are automatically eligible for membership in the Chicago Municipal Employees Credit Union (CMECU)! Founded in 1926, it is the oldest credit union in the State of Illinois!
• CMECU is a not-for profit cooperative, we return profits to members in the form of lower fees on loans and higher return on savings - “People Helping People”
• We offer the same types of loans and financial services as the banks, but at a fraction of the cost. 1st and 2nd mortgages, student loans, personal loans, auto loans and credit cards – We are lending!
• You are a member – not just a customer!
• Discover the difference of Chicago Municipal Employees Credit Union today! To become a member go to:
www.cmecuonline.org
Chicago Municipal Employees Credit Union –
Chicago’s Credit Union since 1926!http://www.cmecuonline.org/
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