Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Why doesn’t Metra have wireless internet on its trains yet? Mostly because it would be enormously expensive and a technological challenge, too. But should they?
Should Metra get Wi-Fi? Even if it’s expensive and hard to implement and maintain? The commuter-rail network is considering the possibility, the Chicago Tribune and other news agencies report, but price and technology continue to be two major barriers, despite that a DePaul University report shows 48 percent of Metra riders use personal electronic devices during their commutes. According to the paper, it could cost over $70 million to install wireless internet on all 11 Metra lines over five years—though some of that could perhaps be recouped by paid plans or sponsorships—and there’s a fear that the technology might quickly become obsolete or go unused by customers who prefer other connectivity, like smart-phone hotspots or air-cards. "(…
Monday, February 4, 2013
The price of the 10-ride ticket is no longer discounted.
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Monday, February 4
By Collin Czarnecki, Naperville Patch Metra riders are no longer getting a discount for purchasing a 10-ride fare. The average ticket increased by 25 percent, though some tickets will go up 35 percent. Get news in your inbox. Sign up for the Patch newsletter. Like Wheaton Patch on Facebook. The Metra Board of Directors voted last month to change the cost of the once discounted 10-ride pass to be equivalent to the price of 10 one-way fares, according to Metra. The change was made to help fund capital improvement projects, Pioneer Press reports. The policy went into effect Feb 1. Wheaton's stations lie within the Metra E zone. Commuters from Wheaton to downtown Chicago will now pay $52.50 for a 10-ride pass, or $5.25 for a one-way ticket…
Friday, August 3, 2012
Construction on Union Pacific West line tracks could cause delays for weekend trains until next month.
Construction on the Union Pacific West line tracks will affect the weekend train schedules beginning Aug. 4 and ending Sep. 9, according to a message from the City of Wheaton. According to Metra, some trains may be subject to delays of up to 10 minutes due to track construction, and some trains may experience minor delays due to heavier passenger loading for Chicago summer events. See Metra’s weekend schedule for the revised construction times.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Metra wants to know how it can better serve you. Here is your chance. Attend one of the upcoming public sessions or comment online.
Is there something you'd like to tell Metra about its commuter rail service? Local residents have the opportunity to share their opinions in the coming week or so, when the agency holds public input meetings throughout the suburbs as part of its effort to develop a strategic plan. See: Metra to Retrofit Passenger Cars for the iPad, iPhone Era "In this time of limited transportation funding, it is especially important that our plans accurately consider the projects and direction desired by the public and key stakeholders," reads a statement about the open houses on the agency's website. A session was already held in DuPage County, but rail commuters are invited to attend any of the following open houses: 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, July 18 4-7 p.m…
The passenger car rehab program will help Metra riders recharge their electronic devices. Renovated cars will include power outlets and other rider-friendly features.
As part of a multiyear, multimillion-dollar program to renovate its rail cars, Metra is installing a variety of new features to improve the passenger experience—perhaps most noticeably by adding power outlets so riders can charge their electrical devices. In a major cost-saving measure, the cars are being refurbished in-house by Metra workers. See: Give Metra a Piece of Your Mind The program aims to rehabilitate 176 cars that were built by Amerail (originally Morrison Knudson) between 1995 and 1998. The car shells were built in Japan but the cars were assembled in Chicago. Forty cars have been completed so far and 60 should be completed by the end of the year. The entire Amerail fleet, which includes 79 cab cars and 97 trailer cars, should…
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
It's all about being local.
As a local legend says goodbye to Glen Ellyn by passing her coffee shop onto new owners, Metra commuters can expect more local fare at Next Stop Coffee Shop. Remember Glen Ellyn's bike billboard guy? Craig Yerly and his wife, Joy, recently purchased the coffee shop inside Glen Ellyn's Metra station from longtime owner Dotty Flicek. They know they have some big shoes to fill but they're excited to bring more options and local favorites to commuters during the early morning rush. Commuters can now nibble on muffins, scones and breakfast bars from Honey and tea from Serene Teaz located in neighboring Wheaton. Like Honey, Next Stop Coffee Shop will brew Metropolis coffee which is roasted in Chicago by a father and son duo. The Yerlys are all …
Sunday, May 27, 2012
The next outbound train will depart at 12:40 p.m. and arrive in Elburn at 2:10 p.m. The next inbound Metra train will depart from Elburn at 12:25 p.m.
Two Metra trains on the Union Pacific West line today (Sunday, May 27) were canceled due to an earlier pedestrian incident near Lombard. One morning inbound and one outbound train were canceled. The outbound train that was to depart Chicago at 10:40 a.m. and arrive to Elburn at 12:06 p.m. did not operate, according to a statement from Metra. The inbound Metra train scheduled to depart Elburn at 10:25 a.m. did not operate either. The next outbound train will depart Chicago at 12:40 p.m. and arrive in Elburn at 2:10 p.m., Metra said. According to Metra, the next inbound train scheduled to leave Elburn will depart at 12:25 p.m. and arrive in Chicago at 1:50 p.m. Inbound and outbound delays were caused when an inbound Metra train scheduled to …
This is the second incident this week in which a train hit a pedestrian near Lombard.
12:40 p.m. update: The inbound Metra train scheduled to depart Elburn at 10:25 a.m. will not operate due to an earlier pedestrian incident near Lombard, according to a statement from Metra. Original report: A Metra train on the Union-Pacific West line struck a pedestrian around 9:30 a.m. Sunday near Grace Street in Lombard, according to Metra officials. An inbound train scheduled to arrive in Chicago at 9:50 a.m. hit the pedestrian and is now halted near the scene of the accident. An outbound train scheduled to arrive at Elburn at 10:06 a.m. is stopped near Villa Park until further notice. On Sundays, trains are scheduled every two hours, according to Metra officials. It's unclear if the incident will cause further delays. Metra …
Thursday, May 24, 2012
A pedestrian was struck and killed by a freight train Wednesday night in Lombard.
Lombard police believe the 20-year-old female of Lombard that was killed after being struck by a freight train in Lombard Wednesday night committed suicide. "It was not an accident," said Lombard Deputy Police Chief Pat Rollins. The DuPage County Coroner's Office confirmed the fatality but have not released the cause of death. The incident occurred at 10:45 p.m. at Finley Road and the tracks, said Rollins. Metra halted inbound and outbound trains following the incident, which caused extensive delays. Stay up to date on all the latest happenings in Glen Ellyn by subscribing to the free daily newsletter, or follow us on Facebook. This is the second suicide in a month along the Union Pacific West line tracks near Glen Ellyn. In the middle of…
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Life as we know it may be disrupted a bit while the eyes of the world are on Chicago for three days.
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Wednesday, May 16, 2012
For the first time the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) will be holding a summit in an American city other than Washington, D.C. In addition to global leaders, more than 2,000 journalists and countless demonstrators and activists are expected to inundate the Chicago area. Click to sign up for the free Wheaton Patch newsletter! Some protests have already begun. Security measures are in place for the days before the summit and the actual meeting days, Sunday, May 20 and Monday, May 21, when more than 60 heads of state and government will come together to discuss security and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area. Although you are not a NATO delegate, some of the plans may affect your life during this time. Here is a rundown of the …
Gregory l
3:32 am on Thursday, May 16, 2013
Tony P, why are you sucking your thumb??? more ›