When did Metra start?
Before 1984 it was the RTA - Regional Transportation Authority.
Nothing changed except the “catchier” name.
Old Timer
A major reorganization of the Regional Transportation Authority occurred in 1984 in the aftermath of a funding crunch. Prior to 1984, the RTA was a funding, planning and operating organization, the Chicago Transit Authority was separate but under its umbrella. In 1984, two operating arms, Metra for suburban rail and Pace for suburban buses, were established, with the RTA remaining as a parent agency over CTA, Metra and Pace for funding and planning.
Does anybody remember what year the equipment started showing the new paint?
Dave
-DPD Productions - Featuring the TrainTenna LP Gain RR Scanner Antenna-
http://eje.railfan.net/dpdp/
The RTA itself dates from 1974 and the earliest equipment lettered and painted specifically for the RTA dates from about 1976 or so with the first F40PH’s, which were assigned to the Rock Island. The first suburban buses lettered the same way appeared at about the same time.