Metra Regional Express Rail
Team Members Heading link
- Kyle Middleton
- Jawad Rahman
- Evan Storm
- Daniel Wojcik
Advisors: Dr. Farid Peiravian; John LaPaglia, PE; Brian Kubilius, PE, CFM
Project Description Heading link
Chicago’s Union Station is the primary terminal for all Metra and Amtrak passenger trains operating in and out of the city of Chicago, including both intercity and commuter trains. This project will analyze Metra’s opportunity to offer cross-town services that pass through Union Station instead of terminating there. With the addition of more frequent service, Metra’s operations will be considerably more attractive to both existing customers and those in untapped commuter markets who frequently make long drives between suburbs.
The objective of this project is to demonstrate how this operating scheme could be affordably implemented, in multiple phases, on the Metra system while using as much existing infrastructure as possible. Metra Regional Express Rail will provide residents with the opportunity to take Metra to and from surrounding suburban areas with the efficiency of rapid transit through Union Station using new larger platforms and open concourse designed for safety and ease of boarding.
The results are expected to show a significant increase of residents commuting on Metra throughout the Chicagoland area and surrounding suburbs by improving the overall service area, encouraging a greater number of residents to utilize the transit system. Residents will be satisfied with the expanded transportation options offered by Metra, with higher operating frequency enabling commuters to get to their destinations more reliably. A wider selection of destinations on selected lines will allow Metra to break into new markets and compete with less environmentally friendly modes of transportation while opening faster travel opportunities for those looking to travel through the city and not necessarily into it.