Change is needed in Metra's mindset

I have ridden the Union Pacific Northwest Line Metra train into and out of Chicago for 30-plus years and have never been more upset and frustrated with the service. As fares continue to increase, service continues to decline. In three of the past five business days train #604 has been delayed 15 to 30 minutes each day due to "freight train interference." One instance is easily understood. Twice borders on incompetence and three is an out-and-out deliberate act.

Metra is incompetent and holds no accountability for its actions. It's no wonder that ridership was down 800,000 rides last year. When my Chicago office lease expires, I will definitely be migrating away from Metra. I only foresee increased fares and further incompetence from this organization. And no, money is not the solution. They have plenty of money. They need to eliminate waste and become accountable to their riders and to the taxpayers. Otherwise, I only see a continuing decrease in ridership.

This organization is a microcosm of the city of Chicago and the state of Illinois as a whole. That is, a mass exodus leaving fewer and fewer people to pay the bills. There needs to be a major shift in mindset for these problems to be solved.

Tom Romano

Des Plaines