Commuters can personalize alerts from Metra

Instead of a barrage of emails, Metra is now offering riders a chance to personalize alerts about delays.

Commuters can select specific times when they want to receive notices about service problems. With the previous system, alerts were sent throughout the day.

The new program, dubbed “Customize Your Commute,” can be “tailored by every individual to fit their specific interests and needs,” Executive Director Don Orseno said in a statement.

The improvement was suggested by riders, Orseno added.

Passengers also can sign up to get emails concerning services for disabled riders, the annual safety poster contest, elevator repairs and copies of the On the Bi-Level newsletter.

To customize alerts, riders need to log into their My Metra accounts and follow instructions. For more information, go to metrarail.com/metra/en/home.html.

Also, repairs to rails and ties along the BNSF Line wrapped up this week, Metra spokesman Michael Gillis said.

The railroad replaced 20,000 ties and resurfaced 17 miles of the central track between Hinsdale and Chicago this spring, which resulted in numerous delays for commuters.