(The following article was posted on Chicago television station CBS 2’s website on March 21.)
CHICAGO — Metra continues to have problems getting morning rush hour trains to run on time on its recently-lengthened Union Pacific West Line service.
WBBM’s Bob Roberts reports the problem is worst with trains arriving at Ogilvie Transportation Center at North Western Station at 7:35 a.m., 7:49 a.m. and 7:55 a.m.
Two of the trains originate in Elburn, the other in West Chicago.
Deputy Executive Director Rick Tidwell said changes in the way the trains operate out of the Elburn terminal in the morning have reduced, but not eliminated, the delays.
“We know that at a couple of intermediate stations, we’re still having delays of one to two minutes,” Tidwell said.
As a result, the departure times will be changed early next month to try to allow the trains not to stack up should short operating delays occur.
The change in terminals from Geneva west to Elburn was the first extension of commuter service on the line since it was first offered by the predecessor Galena & Chicago Union R.R. before the Civil War more than 140 years ago.