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Metra ridership increased 1.2 percent in 2013
The bottom line is that ridership would increase exponentially were capacity available. The scandal is that, to paraphrase Dan’l Burnham, there are no big plans made. Chicago needs new depots, more depots, above or below ground, electrification, express trackage, etc. What infrastructure there is stretched to capacity has passed a centennial.
And, in spite of all else, Metra runs an outstanding operation in many respects, and offers the discerning railfan wonderful glimpses of past glories. Those who have eyes to see will.
I’m sorry to everyone out there that Mr. Hays mis-directed comments have to represent the people of Montana.
Having used the BNSF service today to attend a meeting in the loop, I can attest to its quality. I used the 10:12 AM train from Harlem Ave that was 7 min late at pick up but 7 min early at Union Station. The ride was smooth and fast. At 20 minutes it was much shorter than driving. At $1.50 is was much cheaper than a $30 parking spot in the loop. The return trip at 1:30 PM was on-time leaving and arriving. The train was comfortable and relatively clean. I’m sorry that future generations are subsidizing my ease and convenience.
This is very good news and means a significant number of cars off the highways.
Too bad METRA can’t get the politics and patronage out of the system. No wonder the directors jump in front of the trains.
hope to see100 million riders with in the next 10 to twenty years. roll on.
Having first person participation in the operation of the BNSF line as both a conductor and engineer, I can attest to the busyness of the route. Our route also had about the best on-time performance and the highest farebox recovery of all the lines. A legacy of providing first class passenger service helps! I worked with a number of “old heads” who had worked the long haul passenger trains.
I was in Chicago over last July 4th weekend and stayed in Brookfield. While I just missed the Stanley Cup parade, the Pride parade and July 4th celebration provided FULL (and extra) trains back out in the evening.
If you want to spend time watching a lot of trains, spend 2-4 hours at Brookfield station over the morning or evening rush hours! Locals, expresses and two or three trains at the station at the same time. I’m going to do it again this summer.