Naperville-area legislators hosting Metra public hearing
Commuters frustrated with the service delays that seemingly have struck every line in Metra's suburban rail system this winter will have a venue Monday to seek some answers.
Two Naperville-area state legislators are sponsoring a public hearing with Metra CEO Don Orseno and other agency officials who will make a presentation and respond to questions beginning at 7 p.m. in the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle St.
State representatives Ron Sandack of Downers Grove and Darlene Senger of Naperville scheduled the forum in response to what they called the “severe weather-related delays and near total shutdown of the Metra system” when extremely cold temperatures spread across the area Jan. 6 and 7, and again later last month.
“The poor performance of Metra during this cold and snowy weather created unacceptable health risks for Illinoisans,” Sandack said in a written statement. “And I'm looking forward to hearing how Metra plans to prevent future breakdowns in service delivery.”
The legislators hope residents can help Metra identify areas where communication can be improved when future bad weather strikes.
“I share the concern of local residents on Metra's readiness for severe weather events and their ability to provide real-time access to updated train delay and cancellation information to commuters,” Senger said in a written statement.
For details about the public hearing, call Sandack's office at (630) 737-0504 or Senger's office at (630) 420-3008.
Both Sandack and Senger are running in the March 18 Republican primary election.
Sandack is seeking the 81st District House seat in a contest with Keith Matune of Downers Grove.
Senger is in a five-way race in the GOP primary for the 11th Congressional seat in a field that also features Chris Balkema of Channahon, Bert Miller of Hinsdale, Ian Bayne of Aurora and Craig Robbins of Lisle.