Metra unveils $9B draft plan for 15-minute train service and regional rail network

Metra trains every 15 minutes. Frequent service to O’Hare. And more connections between suburbs.

It’s possible, say Metra leaders who are rolling out a draft System Network Plan that envisions a transformation.

The document, which will be showcased at a November virtual meeting, examines a future regional rail service.

Unlike the traditional suburbs-to-downtown paradigm, regional rail would provide “all-day options for a variety of trip types through the metro region,” the draft explains.

“The plan emphasizes solutions that can be achieved within Metra’s existing footprint, largely avoiding costly investments in new right-of-way and additional mainline capacity beyond current plans,” spokesman Michael Gillis said.

“The plan not only lays out near- and midterm implementation steps to support the evolution of Metra service, but it also defines a long-term vision for what regional rail can become,” he noted.

That includes giving riders on every line expanded schedules and seven-day service, and “cutting-edge alternative energy rolling stock,” such as battery-operated train sets.

In the short term, Metra is considering offering “inner zones” on certain lines within Chicago and in suburbs near the city to increase consistency. Farther-out suburbs could benefit from “outer zones” with more express trains.

The agency also wants trains zooming between Union Station and an upgraded O’Hare Transfer Station.

In the long term, the railroad hopes to offer trains every 15 to 30 minutes, as well as a crosstown service flowing through Union Station. That could connect the North Central Service and Rock Island Line to provide a link between O’Hare and South Side communities. In the future, Metra is considering a similar connection with the NSC and BNSF Line.

The draft comes as a private group also is working to develop the O’Hare Flyer, an express train to the airport.

The cost is a daunting $9 billion, with about $2.7 billion estimated for new rolling stock and smaller-scale track additions and signaling.

Another $6.4 billion would fund major capital investment such as new mainline tracks and improved junctions, plus extra storage and maintenance facilities.

Also envisioned are several ambitious flyover bridges at choke points.

Most travel in Chicagoland doesn’t involve going back and forth to downtown, and Metra planners project that tapping into that market could generate thousands of riders.

Officials acknowledge that paying for the program will require additional state and federal funds, and buy-in from BNSF and Union Pacific along with other freight railroads.

However, it’s also timely with the dawn of the Northern Illinois Transportation Authority, a new agency overseeing Metra, Pace and the CTA that has received an influx of funding through state legislation.

“The plan can serve as a blueprint to support the transition and success of NITA in a regionally coordinated effort to implement regional rail,” Gillis said. “We are doing outreach on it this fall, and the goal is to have a final plan completed early next year.”

mpyke@dailyherald.com