Upgrades are coming to Metra's website

Metra riders who need to check train times quickly only to go through a multiple-step process on the agency's website will get some relief in June.

Metra is promising a website update that will more prominently display train schedules and service alerts in response to passenger suggestions, Communications Director Michael Gillis said at a Wednesday meeting.

"We're trying to put a lot of information in this one display. One of the big changes is you'll be able to look at a map of Chicago and see where trains are along the line," Gillis said. Riders will be able to click on trains and learn about their status.

In addition, a "Customize Your Commute" feature will let riders set specific times to receive email alerts about train delays or service disruptions.

Also Wednesday, officials said they were doubling the number of "undercover" employees who observe conductors and ticket agents in action from three to six.

Metra will not add any new staff members and instead will reassign employees in the transportation department. The observers will go out about 10 times a week.

The team will check whether cars are clean, look for problems at stations or on platforms, listen for the audibility of train PA systems and see if conductors are collecting fares properly.