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LEADING THE

CHARGE TO

GREEN ENERGY

Metra seeks low-emission and zero-emission locomotives

Someday soon, the Metra train you Metra estimates that replacing three emission electric-powered unit.
ride may be powered by the same thing older diesel locomotives with zero- Switch locomotives are a railroad’s
powering your phone and watch. emission batteries would reduce behind-the-scenes workhorses,
nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions used to move equipment around the
Demonstrating its leadership and
commitment to innovation and cleaner by more than 100 tons per year and railroad and within yard facilities.
energy, Metra has challenged the industry particulate matter (PM) emissions The seven new switch engines will
to create three zero-emission commuter by more than two tons per year. By replace locomotives that first went

locomotives by converting older engines replacing diesel power with battery into railroad service between 50

from diesel to battery power. power, Metra will significantly reduce and 82 years ago. With the plan to
its emissions footprint and greatly
“This proposal could be game-changing,” improve air quality for its riders and purchase equipment that meets the
said Metra Executive Director/CEO Jim the Chicago region. EPA’s Tier IV emissions or better,
Derwinski. “We have been monitoring the as well as to purchase the railroad’s

development of this technology for several Separately, Metra also announced first all-electric locomotive, Metra
years and believe the time is right to work a plan to purchase seven new will reduce emissions, reduce fuel
with the industry and set a path for a low-emission switch locomotives, consumption, improve reliability,

brighter and cleaner future.” including the railroad’s first zero- and lower maintenance costs.

NEW PILOT SCHEDULES

MORE OPTIONS, GREATER FLEXIBILITY

To meet the evolving needs of riders The pilot schedules started July 12
in a post-pandemic world, Metra has on the UP North, BNSF and Metra
introduced pilot schedules this summer Electric lines and July 19 on the Rock
on four of our busiest lines. You now Island Line. Those schedules step

have more off-peak options and more away from pre-pandemic schedules
memorable timetables and service that prioritized peak rush-hour
patterns to get you where you want to service in favor of a more balanced
go – when you want to go. approach that spreads out the service
to offer better off-peak options.

“We want to demonstrate that My
Metra is about taking care of our riders. The idea is to be there for commuters u nd e r s t a nd a b l e a nd
understandable and
With this pilot program, we are testing working more flexible schedules m em o r a bl e s er v i c e p a t t er n s ;

memorable service patterns;
schedules that have changed with our and to make Metra a more attractive implement new express service
riders' changing needs," said Metra option for non-work trips. when possible in the peak travel
CEO/Executive Director Jim Derwinski. The guiding principles for Metra’s periods; explore reverse-commute
“We look forward to our riders’ return, service restoration are to provide and new ridership markets;
and we will welcome them with clean, consistent and frequent service promote regional equity and create
safe trains and schedules that meet throughout the day; create easily transfer opportunities within Metra
their needs.” and with other transit services.

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