Page 11 - Metra Fact Book 2021

AGENCY OVERVIEW LOOKING FORWARD

SERVICE AND The pandemic had a major impact on MAKE NO
our region, but through it all Metra never
PERFORMANCE stopped meeting the transportation needs SMALL PLANS

of first responders and those who could not
OVERVIEW shelter in place. The advice of Chicago’s great architect,

Daniel Burnham, guides us as we work to

We showed once again that we are a source of continuity and provide northeast Illinois with a world-class
connection for our riders, an irreplaceable part of their lives commuter rail system. Here are just a few of
and a vital cog in the economic and social life of NE Illinois.
our initiatives to improve the quality, comfort
On the pages that follow, you will find a review of our system,
service area, ridership statistics, new programs, budget, and safety of the service we provide:
a brief history and ongoing efforts to improve the quality NEW GPS TRACKING SYSTEM
During the of our service. This new system will dramatically improve our ability to
Do remember that our ridership was deeply affected by COVID-19. track trains and provide updates to riders on train status.
COVID-19 pandemic, NEXT GENERATION RAILCARS
But many of the facts still stand and were not impacted by the Metra has placed an order for 200 new, made-in-the-USA cars NEW WEBSITE
pandemic. We still provide service with 242 stations over 11 with an option to buy up to 300 additional cars for $1.8 billion, The new metra.com provides more detailed, timely and
METRA NEVER routes totaling nearly 500 route miles. We remain one of the replacing old cars, some dating to 1953. Amenities will include: easily accessed information to riders.
largest and most complex rail systems in North America, with • Two entranceways per side, nearly level with the
STOPPED a service area encompassing more than 3,700 square miles. platform ADDITIONAL BIKE TRAINS

As we rise and recover from the pandemic, we are embracing • Full ADA accessibility Metra is expanding our popular Bike Car program to
RUNNING. My Metra as an initiative and attitude, as our belief and • Video screens, bike racks, charging outlets, cupholders more of our lines. Each bike car carries 16 bicycles in a
dedicated railcar.
philosophy. It’s about making sure we’re there when you need
us, getting you to work and home safely and on time, and • Quieter, smoother ride
always meeting your expectations. It’s about delivering service NEW BATTERY-POWERED LOCOMOTIVES
in a way that you will always think of us as My Metra. As part of our commitment to a greener future, Metra is
NEW AIR PURIFICATION SYSTEM seeking proposals to convert three diesel locomotives into
Metra is upgrading the ventilation systems on nearly 700 zero-emission, battery-powered units. Metra is also buying
current cars with a 3-stage system using ultraviolet light, seven new low-emission switch locomotives, including our
electrical fields, and stronger filters. The new system will be first zero-emission electric-powered unit.
equivalent to or better than MERV 17 or HEPA standards.

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