Extra trains on track for Metra BNSF riders and more stops on the UP West: Here’s what it means to you

Metra passengers will have more trains on the BNSF Line and more stops on the Union Pacific West Line starting Sept. 8.

“The new schedule responds to customer feedback and ridership data with the aim of minimizing capacity issues on express trains during the morning and evening rush,” officials said.

On Metra’s busiest route, the BNSF Line between Chicago and Aurora, four rush-hour trains will be added.

On the UP West Line from Chicago to Geneva, up to four stops will be added at off-peak hours.

Here are the details:

• For BNSF riders traveling between the suburbs and downtown, two additional morning trains will make stops from Lisle to Downers Grove, then head straight to Union Station.

On the evening commute, two trains will travel express from Chicago to Congress Park, then make all stops until Fairview Avenue; two other trains will express to Downers Grove, then stop at all stations to Aurora.

• Reverse commuters will see some adjustments in Trains 1268 and 1312. For details, go to schedules.metrarail.com/pdf/alternative/BNSF.

• Saturday and Sunday riders will see four more trains on the BNSF to allow for hourly inbound service between 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. and outbound service from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Also, a late-night express train to Downers Grove will be added.

On the UP West Line, Metra is making the following schedule revisions:

• For weekday riders, inbound Trains 66 through 72 will be stopping at Kedzie as will outbound Trains 65 to 11.

• On Saturdays and Sundays, all trains will stop at Kedzie, Maywood and Melrose Park stations.

The tweaks will mean minor adjustments to arrival and departure times at certain stations. For information, go to schedules.metrarail.com/pdf/alternative/UP-W.

“Metra’s goal with its schedule changes is to accommodate the needs of our current riders and make the service a more attractive option for all travelers,” administrators said.