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Planning money set for new Rockford station
They’ve got Metra all of the way past Elgin, so I’ve always wondered why Metra couldn’t just extend the line from Elgin on to Rockford. But whatever, at least Rockford is finally getting passenger service again.
Response to Jim Dodds:
You stated “…I’ve always wondered why Metra couldn’t just extend the line from Elgin on to Rockford.”. Bascially, 2 reasons why: the law and money. The 1983 Illinois law that created Metra restricted Metra’s jurisdiction to those commuter rail lines in operation at the time. Since there was no commuter rail operation on the then Illinois Central Gulf line to Rockford, Metra cannot now extend the line from Elgin to Rockford. Also, any kind of extension would require money to design, implement, and operate the extension. With Illinois’ rather precarious financial position and the general malaise in the local economy, Metra and the RTA would have a hard time finding the money for the extension.
Rockford will be a key stop on this route, so I am glad to see this. I like the idea of the station being a part of a planned development also. This will encourage local residents to check it out and will lessen the fears of a marginalized or unsafe environment.
Rockford will be a key stop on this route, so I am glad to see this. I like the idea of the station being a part of a planned development also. This will encourage local residents to check it out and will lessen the fears of a marginalized or unsafe environment.