Articles filed under Metra

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Delays persist on Metra after accident Mar 18, 2013 12:00 AM
Metra trains on the BNSF are running again but with delays of up to an hour and a half after a pedestrian was struck and killed this afternoon by an inbound train in Hinsdale.
Boy survives being struck by train in BarringtonMar 15, 2013 12:00 AM
An 11-year-old boy was hospitalized after being struck by a Metra train Friday evening in Barrington. Police said a preliminary investigation indicated that the boy was crossing the tracks at Route 59 north of Lake-Cook Road when he was struck by an eastbound commuter train.
Proposed hand-held ban puts distracted driving back in the hot seat Mar 11, 2013 12:00 AM
You can't yak on a hand-held cell phone in Illinois if you're a teenager, truck driver, passing through a school or construction zones, but otherwise it's OK. Except in Chicago. And, no texting and driving anywhere. The Illinois House moved to stop the confusion with legislation banning driving while talking on hand-held phones, but will the Senate follow suit?
Man killed by train in Westmont Mar 7, 2013 12:00 AM
Metra draws line at selling town names on stationsMar 7, 2013 12:00 AM
The Arlington Heights Metra stop will not be renamed the Victoria's Secret Metra station - even though it might drive up ridership. But Metra officials indicated they'd consider allowing retailers or corporations to buy secondary placement on station signs and gave a thumb's up for institutions such as universities.
Metra issues apology for BNSF delays Feb 20, 2013 12:00 AM
A statement was issued by the head of Metra Wednesday apologizing for recent delays on the BNSF line. Chief Executive Officer Alex Clifford said in the statement that Metra and BNSF are working to minimize delays and provide reliable service. "I recognize these delays were frustrating, and I apologize for the inconvenience you experienced," he said.
Transit chiefs: Concealed carry recipe for disaster Feb 20, 2013 12:00 AM
Transit agencies across the region say allowing riders to carry concealed weapons is dangerous. The CTA, Pace and Metra oppose changes in the law, currently under discussions in the General Assembly following a court order.
Funding gap big obstacle in train crash preventionFeb 16, 2013 12:00 AM
They can't afford it but they have to do it. Metra officials hope to get some financial and deadline relief from the federal government from a mandate to install a system that automatically stops collision-bound trains.
Marketing pitch urges commuters to ‘Choose Metra’Feb 16, 2013 12:00 AM
You want to ride Metra, you just don't know it. The commuter rail agency will spend nearly $400,000 on a marketing campaign aimed at attracting new riders. “Couldn’t you use more time for yourself to recharge, relax and reconnect and leave the gridlock behind you?” a sample advertising script reads.
Metra 10-ride passes spike by 11 percent todayFeb 1, 2013 12:00 AM
Metra riders who use 10-ride passes will pay 11 percent more today. Metra officials will use the extra cash for operating and capital costs. But some 10-ride commuters weren't on board the fare hike train. “I think it's horrible, especially with the economy the way it is,” said Lupe Cuellar while waiting for a UP Northwest Line train at the Arlington Heights station Thursday. “Didn't they just raise it last year?”
Editorial missed mark on Metra raises Jan 29, 2013 12:00 AM
A letter to the editor: One of our goals has always been to make sure Metra is in the best position to attract and retain qualified workers by having a fair, appropriate, sustainable and competitive pay plan.
Why Metra approved raises for some employeesJan 28, 2013 12:00 AM
Leaving the past behind is costing Metra a pretty penny. It's not just about paying the management consultants - it's about paying for the changes the consultants recommend - like raises for employees that will cost about $3.6 million. We dig into more details of significant pay raises that were approved last week amidst economic austerity elsewhere.
Car breaks down on tracks, struck by train Jan 25, 2013 12:00 AM
An outbound Metra train struck an unoccupied car near the Des Plaines train station during the Friday evening rush hour, authorities said. The vehicle broke down as it was crossing the tracks about 5:30 p.m., but the driver was able to get out safely before the train hit the car, according to the Des Plaines Fire Department.
Wi-Fi train hasn’t left the Metra station Jan 19, 2013 12:00 AM
Free Wi-Fi on Metra trains is still down the line and it may not be free either. Metra officials decided to hire consultants to move the stagnating project forward. The outside help could cost up to $250,000.
RTA mum on harassment complaintJan 17, 2013 12:00 AM
Officials aren't talking much about a complaint of sexual harassment involving RTA Executive Director Joseph Costello, other than to indicate they have confidence in him.
Metra gives 299 workers raises of up to 33 percent Jan 17, 2013 12:00 AM
Nearly a year after steep fare hikes took effect and a few weeks before additional ones are imposed, Metra leaders approved giving 299 employees raises of up to 33 percent. “It brings rhyme and reason to salaries,” Director Jack Schaffer of Cary said. “No one likes raising fares, but if we want to keep up the quality of our management, we have to take care of our people.”
RTA vote allows CTA borrowing Jan 16, 2013 12:00 AM
RTA directors are giving the CTA a green light to borrow $1 billion over the next three years for improvements, overriding some suburban directors' fears that funding for Metra and Pace would suffer if the CTA couldn't pay back its loans.
Metra train strikes car in Arlington Heights Jan 7, 2013 12:00 AM
A Metra train struck a car in Arlington Heights Monday afternoon, temporarily stopping trains on the Union Pacific Northwest Line in both directions. No one was injured. The minor crash took place at 3:15 p.m. at Arthur Avenue just south of the Arlington Heights station, said Meg Reile, Metra spokeswoman.
Planes, trains and automobiles: A look at 2013Dec 31, 2012 12:00 AM
Today we will journey — to the future! Sort of. Four experts have lent their visionary powers to forecast the major transportation stories of 2013, including the deadline for Chicago to resolve a dispute over expansion at O'Hare, better baggage platforms that would make things easier for Metra riders and the Illinois tollway will spend about $412 million for widening the eastbound Jane Addams Tollway (I-90) in 2013.
Metra trains getting defibrillators Dec 27, 2012 12:00 AM
The Metra commuter rail service is installing hundreds of portable, easy-to-use defibrillators on all of its trains, becoming only the second major transit system in the country to make the lifesaving machines available on trains, Metra officials said Thursday.