question about metra (Berwyn, Libertyville, Liberty: sales, buying, to live)

[CrazyJay]

Why is is that at certain times the metra doesn't stop at specific stations.

It seems weird to me. Doesn't is screw over people?

THanks

Also,

What's the difference between "----" and '|' over the train schedules...??

[myrc60]

During rush hour it is called express service. During the late night, it would take too long to stop at every stop. Usually at night they only stop at more popular stops, like Berwyn over Lavergne or Harlem Ave. What line are you referring to?

[CrazyJay]

Milwaukee north (i'm looking at going from morton grove to libertyville)


Also,

how good is the metra when it snows or rains? should one always expect delays in those situations.

[ABQ in 2008]

When it snows or rains, Metra is a much better option than driving.
I haven't found Metra to be delayed by weather conditions. When there is a reported train delay, it's usually because of "track switching" or an accident vs. person or vehicle on the track.

[chet everett]

Absolutely true. The express service is AWESOME, and is 100% driven by the NUMBERS. If there are enough people that buy tickets at a station to justify Metra adding express trains that is exactly what they do.

Weather is almost NEVER a factor for Metra. The rails do not care if there is ice/snow as thousands of tons of locomotives tends to plow through anything. The switches have large gas fired heaters to keep them unfrozen. Once in great while there are mechanical issues, but even this past winter I cannot recall any on the BNSF or UP NW, both of which I ride frequently.

#1 cause of delays is when fools get themselves in the path of train. Train ALWAYS wins...

[myrc60]

Originally Posted by chet everett

Weather is almost NEVER a factor for Metra. The rails do not care if there is ice/snow as thousands of tons of locomotives tends to plow through anything. The switches have large gas fired heaters to keep them unfrozen. Once in great while there are mechanical issues, but even this past winter I cannot recall any on the BNSF or UP NW, both of which I ride frequently.

#1 cause of delays is when fools get themselves in the path of train. Train ALWAYS wins...

Yup! Occasionally the fires that they set on the switches go out and the switch may freeze but its not usually a major inconvenience. I always came in from the south so can't say for certain for the northside.

[CrazyJay]

metra sounds perfect for me.. but the train times do not align. Libertyville back to morton grove is either 4:30, or 7:30... nothing in between.

Shame...

i don't see how they could add express stops when they see people buying more tickets.

How/why would people buy tickets for a stop that doesn't have good stop times.

[myrc60]

I used to live closest to the Heritage Corridor train. It runs or rather ran only 4 trains each way on weekdays only. Maybe you can commute to another line that is more convenient. In my case I went to the Burlington Northern after using the Southwest Service for years. IMO you can't beat the BN.

[chet everett]

The Metra board does everything they can to allocate resources to the various lines. Obviously a one month spike in ticket sales is not enough to overhaul the schedule. it is typically changed less than once a year.

I understand your frustration in trying to use the service between suburbs. It is also difficult for those doing a reverse commute. Generally covers operating costs out of fares and tries to use a combination of federal Surface Transportation Funds and State of Illinois Capital Improvement funds to adds cars/trains/track to add service.

Contact states and federal reps to let them know your desires, that is not quick but it is the only method to pressure the leadership...

[CrazyJay]

yea,


i read a press release from May stating that metra is trying to secure more funding, for the purpose of improving weekday service.

Apparently they don't even have enough physical train cars. I understand that mass transit (especially train) is usually in the red. The only reason they break even is because of government subsidies.