Starting today, January 11, Metra introduced multiple changes to the weekday schedules on four lines throughout the region. The updated schedules are intended to improve travel options and train operations across the Metra system.
Customers are advised to review the entire schedule for their line as departure times and stopping patterns may have been adjusted throughout. Metra will continue to reevaluate its schedules during the COVID-19 pandemic and make changes as warranted to enable social distancing and address current travel patterns. Major changes are outlined below.
Milwaukee District North Line
On weekdays, Metra will be changing departure times and stopping patterns, particularly in rush periods, to create new options, address service gaps, provide limited express service on some trains and improve operations along the route. There will be a net gain of two trains. In addition, the Ingleside and Long Lake station stops will be changed to flag stops on all inbound and outbound trains currently scheduled to stop at these stations. Flag stops require that passengers wishing to board at these stations are clearly visible on the train platform or that passengers wishing to disembark at these stations inform the train crew in advance. The new schedule can be viewed here.
Milwaukee District West Line
On weekdays, Metra will be changing departure times and stopping patterns, particularly in rush periods, to create new options, address service gaps, provide limited express service on some trains and improve operations. Four trains will be added. In addition, the Grand/Cicero, Hanson Park, Mars, and Mannheim station stops will be changed to flag stops on all inbound and outbound trains currently scheduled to stop at these stations. Flag stops require that passengers wishing to board at these stations are clearly visible on the train platform or that passengers wishing to disembark at these stations inform the train crew in advance. The new schedule can be viewed here.
North Central Service
Schedule changes on the North Central Service will address operational issues. The new schedule can be viewed here.
Metra Electric Line
The schedule changes on the Metra Electric Line will resolve operational issues created by the implementation of Positive Train Control (PTC), a federally mandated safety system, on the Blue Island Branch as well as on the South Chicago Branch during the midday. The new schedule can be viewed here.
