Recent Streetsblog CHICAGO posts about Metra

Families Encouraged to Ditch Their Cars and Take a “Traincation” Instead

By John Greenfield | Jul 10, 2013 | 10 Comments

When people in Chicagoland think about taking a summer vacation with their family, the plans often involve an automobile. However, in an era of high gas prices, in a region blessed with a 500-mile commuter rail system, it makes a lot of sense to rethink the concept of the family getaway to include car-free excursions. […]

Bike Access on Metra: Two Steps Forward, One Step Back

By Anne Alt | Apr 19, 2013 | 11 Comments

Anne Alt is president of the Chicago Cycling Club and works in the Law Offices of James Freeman, a sponsor of Streetsblog Chicago. When legislation encouraged by then-Lt. Governor Pat Quinn allowed non-folding bikes on Metra trains for the first time in 2005, it was a long-sought victory for Chicago area cyclists. Gaining a new […]

Share Your Bike on Metra Experience

By Steven Vance | Feb 27, 2013 | 3 Comments

Chicago Cycling Club president Anne Alt is collecting information from Chicagoland residents about their how they combine bicycling with Metra trips, for a survey that will be open until next Wednesday. She explains the survey’s purpose: Allowing bikes on Metra has been a huge boost to cyclists and sustainable transportation in the metro area. Unadvertised […]

Metra to Potential Customers: Come On and Take a Free Ride

By John Greenfield | Feb 26, 2013 | 9 Comments

People who ride Metra commuter rail regularly know that it’s a relatively comfortable and dignified transit experience. The cars are clean, you almost always get a seat, the ride is smooth and the trains usually arrive exactly when they’re supposed to. You can read, talk on the phone, use a laptop, snooze or even legally […]