metra

Metra is the commuter rail system serving the Chicago metropolitan area in northeastern Illinois, United States. Created by state legislation in 1983 and beginning operations in 1984, Metra coordinates service on 11 lines that connect downtown Chicago with suburban and exurban communities across several counties. The system operates on tracks owned by freight railroads or through joint arrangements with host railroads, and rolling stock is maintained by Metra. Trains run on weekdays with higher frequency during peak periods and on weekends with reduced service.

The network comprises the BNSF Line; Milwaukee District North and Milwaukee District West; North Central Service; Rock Island District; Southwest Service; Heritage Corridor; and the Union Pacific North, Union Pacific Northwest, Union Pacific West, and Metra Electric District lines. The Metra Electric District uses electrified traction and has Millennium Station as its downtown terminus, while the other lines use diesel locomotives and bi-level passenger cars. Most lines provide connections to the Chicago Transit Authority and Pace, and many stations offer park-and-ride facilities.

Fare and ticketing are handled through a zone-based system supplemented by the Ventra contactless payment system. Tickets can be bought at kiosks, online, or via mobile apps, with options for one-way, round-trip, or monthly passes.

Metra is a not-for-profit agency governed by an 11-member board appointed by participating municipalities and counties. It was created to consolidate and operate the region’s commuter rail services previously run by private railroads. Since its founding, Metra has modernized rolling stock, improved stations, and pursued capital projects to increase reliability and capacity.