|
|
|
||||||||
METRA INFORMATION
Visit this official Metra Web site for schedule and fare information, or phone the RTA Travel Information Center at 312-836-7000.Since 1984, the commuter rail system serving the Chicago area has been known as Metra. The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) was formed in 1974 to coordinate and subsidize transit in the 6 county Chicago metropolitan area, and the RTA soon entered into "purchase of service contracts" with the private railroads operating the commuter trains. The RTA was reorganized in 1984, and Metra was created as the agency responsible for the commuter rail system.
Most of Metra's lines are named for the original operating railroads. Metra now directly operates all trains, except for the Burlington Northern Santa Fe line, and the Union Pacific (formerly the Chicago and North Western).
NORTHERN INDIANA COMMUTER TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT
The Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD) now operates the South Shore Line, formerly the Chicago South Shore and South Bend Railroad. Metra is an agency within Illinois only, NICTD is the equivalent agency responsible for commuter trains in that part of Indiana.
METRA RAILFAN TIPS/PHOTOS
Included are lists of stations, photos, crossings and junctions, mileposts, track diagrams, number of tracks, and signal systems.The $5 Weekend Pass is a great deal for railfans, allowing unlimited travel on all Metra lines on a Saturday and Sunday (not valid on South Shore Line).
METRA'S RAILROADS
The different railroads which evolved to today's Metra. Metra now directly operates some of its lines, while private railroads continue to have a role in the operation of many of Metra's services.
METRA EQUIPMENT ROSTER
GM-EMD F40PH and Motive Power MP36PH diesel locomotives and bilevel push-pull cars operate on most Metra lines. Electric multiple unit cars operate on the Metra Electric District and on the South Shore Line. Those lines are electrified at 1500 volts DC.
COMMUTER EQUIPMENT FROM THE PAST
Until the late 1970's, most Chicago area commuter trains were powered by GM-EMD E-units and F-units. Although most of the former operating railroads modernized their commuter fleets with the bilevel cars still in service, some cars dating from the 1920's remained in commuter service into the 1970's.
COMMUTER AND INTERURBAN RAILROAD HISTORY
Commuter railroads have remained a stable part of Chicago's transportation system for nearly 150 years. Nevertheless, a few commuter lines were eventually discontinued. A number of electric interurban railways also once existed in the Chicago area, with the South Shore Line the only interurban line remaining in America. Most of the abandoned interurban lines have been made into trails, photographs are included showing remaining evidence of these past railroads.
METRA TICKETS/FARES/FARE HISTORY
A look at commuter railroad fares and ticketing, before and after the RTA fare unification of 1976.
COMMUTER TIMETABLES OF THE PAST
Weekday timetables from the different commuter railroads serving Chicago, from various eras.
COMMUTER RAILROADS IN THE 1970'S - MEMORIES
Photos and tickets from Chicago's commuter railroads, prior to RTA and Metra unification.
METRA EXPANSIONS
In 1996, Metra opened the Chicago area's first new commuter rail line in 70 years, with the North Central line to Antioch. And in 2006, Metra expanded service over this and two other lines.
OTHER ENTHUSIASTS' METRA WEB SITES
Other enthusiasts' Web sites pertaining to Metra.
LOST COMMUTER TRAINS
Chicago is the only city in the Midwest where commuter trains continue to operate. Commuter trains previously operated in various other cities, but they all have been discontinued. Included are old schedules for these obscure commuter trains.
Information contained on this site is unofficial. Any suggestions for additions and improvements to this site are welcome. Thanks for visiting! Bill Vandervoort
Go to Chicago Transit & Railfan Web Site