(The following story by Mary Wisniewski and Fran Spielman appeared on the Chicago Sun-Times website on September 3, 2009.)
CHICAGO — The International Olympic Committee report released Wednesday warned that Chicago’s proposed transport plan would more than double rush-hour traffic on Metra.
The committee noted that the commuter rail service is expected to take about two-thirds of the overall Olympics rail traffic, and such an increase “would be a major challenge” given what Metra needs in terms of trains and infrastructure.
Metra executive director Philip Pagano said Metra will be working with Chicago to address the issues raised in the report.
“We will also be reaching out to other rail systems throughout the country to address the need for additional [trains] to meet Olympic demand,” said Pagano.
RTA Chairman Jim Reilly praised Metra as “probably the best commuter railroad in the country.”
“They know how to move people around,” said Reilly, noting that Metra carries huge crowds for Chicago’s July 3 fireworks. On July 3, 2008, Metra carried 413,000 passengers. A typical weekday sees about 300,000 riders.
Reilly said Metra needs additional funding and will want to make track improvements. Particularly important will be improved signalization, so trains can run closer together, Reilly said.