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Metra Monthly Commuter Newsletter                                               April 2019

‘Get On Board’ campaign highlights
region’s $30 billion transit project needs

 
    The Chicago area’s public transit agencies are joining together to gain our riders’ support for a new state-sponsored capital program to address chronic under investment in transit infrastructure. With the Get on Board IL campaign, Metra, the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Pace and Amtrak are asking riders to support the public transit services that they rely upon by contacting their State Representatives and Senators and urging them to pass a capital bill that specifically addresses transit capital needs.

Metra seeking to buy new railcars

 
     Metra is moving ahead with plans to replace its aging fleet of railcars and locomotives, issuing a request for proposals (RFP) for at least 200 new railcars and allocating its portion of the Volkswagen pollution settlement to the purchase of new locomotives. The new railcar RFP allows manufacturers to propose alternative car designs to the bi-level gallery cars that have been used in Chicago for nearly 70 years.
Metra behind the scenes: The Signal
The Signal, Metra's blog, is where you can learn more about the agency, our employees, stations and services. Each post gives our customers a deeper look at what makes Metra move.
 
 CUSTOMER SERVICE  
    
    When Union Station was shut down on Feb. 28, a huge influx of BNSF passengers came to ride the Union Pacific West Line out of Ogilvie. The train was packed with a lot of people that wouldn’t necessarily know where we would be stopping, or if certain cars were “off the platform.” Our conductor on the 4:35 p.m. train did a great job with announcements. Clearly stating where we would stop and which cars would be off the platform and also reminding people standing in the aisle or vestibule to be sure to move aside for people who needed to get off the train. I wanted to thank him for being so clear and calm in his announcements to help people on a very tough day. Good job.
Tina

     Thank you for calling out the exemplary performance of this Union Pacific conductor. It was not easy to accommodate the tens of thousands of riders affected by this incident and we know a good number of riders were significantly delayed on their trip home that night and frustrated. We’re glad to hear that one employee practicing good customer service in difficult circumstances made the trip home a little easier for some that night.
 

 GRASS NOT GREENER   
   
    I’d just like to point out to my fellow Metra travelers that in comparison to other major cities’ train systems around the world, we are fortunate to have such a reliable and cost-effective service. I come from London where entire lines are completely shut down most weekends for never-ending repair work and during the rush-hour commute, trains are overcrowded and very rarely run on time. Sometimes trains can even be subjected to delays due to “leaves on the track.” Considering the extreme weather conditions we face and the cost of monthly travel being much less than other countries’ transit services, I count myself lucky to live here and use Metra for my commute.
Mark

     Thank you for your perspective, as well as the reminder that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side of the fence, or across the pond. It is always good to hear how our rail system fairs in comparison to others, but our customers are right to expect high quality, reliable service. While we succeed most of the time, we are always looking to improve when we don’t.
 
 
 POTENTIALLY SHOCKING  
      
      I wanted to share an experience I literally just had on my morning train regarding the convenient electric outlets. I think this should be shared with other riders. I had just sat down in a seat that had an outlet under the window, and instantly I felt a poking feeling on my knee, along with warm and tingling sensations, like electricity. Well, after pulling my leg away, I discovered that a broken metal prong of an electrical plug was sticking out of the socket! Fortunately, I work in the electrical engineering profession, and that it is still wintry out. I successfully wiggled the broken prong out with my gloved hand. And right then, a trainman came by and I shared my story with him. I’m just grateful to have helped, and that this hazardous situation didn’t turn out worse. Metra, thank you for the outlets. I’ve used them myself a few times. But fair warning to everyone that the outlets aren’t toys. They are still full of dangerous electricity, and always need to be used carefully and respectfully.
    
Christopher

     Thank you for both fixing the problem and bringing it to our conductor’s attention. We’re extremely happy no one was injured, and while we don’t recommend “do it yourself” projects on our railcars, we appreciate that you had the expertise to handle the issue. However, if you or any rider observes what they feel is a potentially hazardous defect inside one of our cars or that something is broken, please let the crew know immediately. They can then respond to the problem and alert our mechanical crews about the need for a repair. We do inspect our cars regularly, but, like the broken prong that you found in the electrical outlet, some problems aren’t readily visible and so it always helps to speak up.
 
 STATION WOES 

     When will we long-suffering New Lenox (Rock Island) commuters finally get a station? There’s not a tent or any kind of shelter to save us from Mother Nature’s wrath.
 
Darrell
 
     The new station and surrounding development is a village project. The old station building was removed from the site last year. We understand that the village plans to start construction this year. For the time being, passengers can shelter in the ticket agent trailer. We realize it’s not perfect, but it’s only a temporary condition.
 

Station optimization study comments sought


As part of Metra’s Strategic Planning initiative, Metra is in the process of completing a Station Optimization Study, which will recommend strategies to better use investments in existing and future stations. As part of this effort, Metra staff has published a draft Station Evaluation Policy that once approved by the Metra Board will be used to guide decisions.  Metra has posted the draft policy on its website metrarail.com and is seeking public feedback. Send comments to stationpolicy@ metrarr.com by April 15.
Full story
Metra schedules 2019 Safety Blitzes

Metra will conduct Operation Lifesaver Safety Blitzes at 59 train stations across the six-county region in 2019 as part of its ongoing efforts to raise awareness of the importance of safe behavior around its trains and tracks. Metra employees will be visiting one of our 242 stations during the morning commute to distribute educational materials about train and grade crossing safety, answer questions and listen to commuters’ safety concerns. A short video about grade crossing safety is also available for customers to view while they wait for their train.
Full story
Metra to close Franklin Park ticket office

Due to declining on-site ticket sales at the Franklin Park Station on the Milwaukee District West Line, Metra will close the station’s ticket office at the end of business on Monday, April 15. Customers boarding at Franklin Park can use cash to purchase a One-Way Ticket on board from a conductor at no extra cost. Tickets can always be purchased at any time at no extra cost through the free Ventra App, available in the App Store or Google Play. In addition, tickets will continue to be sold by agents at the nearby Itasca Station and all five downtown stations.
Full story
Read More in the Metra Newsroom

April 

2019 Baseball Season Begins
The 2019 Chicago baseball season is underway. Metra reminds fans they can avoid traffic and the hassle of parking by making Metra and the CTA part of their plans to watch the Chicago White Sox or Chicago Cubs. For more information, click here.  

April 17

Metra Board Meeting
The April meeting of the Metra Board of Directors will be held at 10:30 a.m. in the13th 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.

April 20-21

Easter
Whether it's breakfast with the Easter bunny at the Lincoln Park or Brookfield zoos or brunch at the Chicago Botanic Garden, there are dozens of events across the Chicago region to celebrate the holiday and many are accessible by transit. Click here for more information on Easter and April events in Chicagoland.

April 26-28 

One of a Kind Show and Sale
This twice yearly gathering of some of the country's top craft artists returns to Chicago's Merchandise Mart featuring handmade crafts by 300 artists, food, and entertainment. Click here for more information.


 

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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