Parade, freight problems delay Metra riders

Metra regulars headed for work and Blackhawks fans bound for the downtown Chicago celebration combined for a messy situation on a number of train lines Friday morning.

The commuter train agency issued an early service alert apologizing about the situation. “Due to extraordinary ridership resulting from those attending the Blackhawks Parade and Rally, passengers will likely experience delays,” officials said. “We have added additional equipment and service. Trains may not make scheduled stops if they reach full capacity.”

Adding to the problems was a disabled freight train on the Union Pacific West Line that halted an inbound train near Glen Ellyn.

As of midmorning, the BNSF and Rock Island Lines were still experiencing slow service.

Metra has added extra trains for the commute home but riders might be best served by killing some time until the initial crowd hitting the station after the rally dissipates.

To check on delays, go to http://metrarail.com/metra/en/home.html.