Metra is implementing service improvements across the Metra Electric Line with a new schedule that takes effect June 15.
The new schedule simplifies service patterns and increases service frequency at multiple stations in alignment with the goals of the Northen Illinois Transit Authority Act to expand public transit access and improve reliability.
“Illinoisans deserve modern, world-class transit, and Metra’s expanded service schedule will deliver more dependable transportation options for the South Side and South Suburbs, better connecting riders to jobs, neighborhoods, and destinations like the Obama Presidential Center,” said Gov. JB Pritzker. “With more frequent trains and new stops, I’m proud to see the Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act taking shape in real time, enhancing our transit systems and improving access for riders in Chicagoland and beyond.”
“This schedule brings Metra closer to our goal of implementing regional rail service across our system, with more frequent and reliable service throughout the day that supports reverse commuting, suburb-to-suburb trips, and leisure travel, rather than just traditional peak period commuter-oriented service,” said Metra Executive Director/CEO Jim Derwinski.
The new schedule will add stops at all three Hyde Park stations (51st-53rd St./Hyde Park, 55th-56th-57th St., and 59th St./University of Chicago) for all inbound weekday trains and increase inbound and outbound midday service at these stations so that customers will have a train every 20 minutes on average in either direction.
During the evening rush, all outbound University Park express trains now will stop at the 55th-56th-57th St. Station, which is an ADA-accessible transfer station.
The new schedule also will change service patterns between Hyde Park and Kensington/115th St. by adding stops at the newly renovated 79th St./Chatham, 87th St./Woodruff, and 103rd St./Rosemoor stations on some trains on both weekdays and weekends.
Blue Island Branch Line riders will enjoy more frequent midday service, as all midday trains that formerly operated as local service between Kensington/115th St. and Millennium Station will also serve the Blue Island Branch. This improves midday service intervals on the branch line to hourly or better and improves transfer opportunities between Rock Island Line trains at Blue Island.
South Chicago Branch Line riders also will have more service options, with inbound evening service extended by two hours, and morning outbound service extended by 40 minutes.
Changes also will be made to stopping patterns and the run numbers of multiple trains, including replacing flag stops (the train only stops if a customer is visible on the platform or a customer on the train requests it), with regular stops on both weekday and weekend trains.
Due to the extent of these changes, all Metra Electric riders are advised to familiarize themselves with the new schedule at: metra.com/schedules.
Metra will continue to make service adjustments in coordination with regional partners, including CTA, Pace, and state stakeholders as the region’s public transportation system transitions this year to the new governance and oversight structure created through the NITA Act. Service adjustments and enhancements will be evaluated and implemented to align with priorities established by the NITA Act.
