When this occurs, the switch must be cleared manually. Metra has also installed switch shields on more than 50 of its most critical switches to further protect the switching mechanisms from the elements.Įven with heaters and shields, switches are still vulnerable to being clogged by snow and ice falling from the underside of locomotives and railcars. To minimize snow and ice build-up, heaters are installed on all switches where commuter service operates. If a switch is blocked and the moveable part does not make contact with the rail, our signal system prevents a potential derailment by turning the signal red and stopping train movements in that area. Snow and ice build-up can block and freeze a switch and prevent it from working. Switches allow trains to move between different sets of tracks and are placed at numerous locations across the system. Below are some of the more common winter weather issues that may impact Metra service. Įven with the best planning, issues do arise that can result in multiple train delays depending upon when and where a problem occurs. To view the alternative schedules, click here. When the decision is made to implement alternative schedules, Metra will provide advance notice via its website, email alerts, Twitter and the Chicago area news media. The purpose of the alternative schedules is to give Metra more flexibility to handle the impact of serious service disruptions while still helping you get to your destination. These schedules represent, on average, about 75 to 80 percent of Metra’s normal weekday service. Metra has prepared alternative schedules that may be implemented when extreme weather conditions or serious service disruptions do not allow for regularly scheduled service. If you are already traveling, listen for announcements at stations and on board trains.Use caution when walking on wet or icy station platforms.Give yourself plenty of time to travel to the station and park.Watch local television and listen to local radio stations for Metra travel and service updates.Visit the National Weather Service website for the latest weather and storm-related information.Other tips for traveling on Metra during winter weather: On evenings and Saturdays, call the RTA Travel Information Center at 31. with questions about train schedules and service. Passenger Services – Customers can call 31 weekdays from 8 a.m.Or click on the following links for individual lines: UP North, Milwaukee North, North Central Service, UP Northwest, Milwaukee West, UP West, BNSF, SouthWest Service, Heritage Corridor, Rock Island and Metra Electric. Twitter – Customers can follow each of Metra’s 11 rail lines or receive more general information about agency operations.Service Alerts – Customers can access real-time information about train status and service alerts via the this page.The free app is available in the App Store or Google Play. Ventra App – Customers can download the app and use the Transit Tracker for information about Metra trains, Pace buses and CTA trains and buses.Click here to create an account and sign up for alerts. Email alerts – Customers can sign up to receive service alerts via email for a specific rail line during the times of day that are most important to them.Metra understands the importance of providing reliable, real-time communications to help our customers make decisions about their travel options during severe weather and offers a number of tools to give them access to the most up-to-date service information. Your safety is always our primary concern and all operations decisions are made with safety as the primary focus.Ĭlick on the video below to see how Metra prepares for and responds to winter weather. Severe weather can affect Metra’s ability to keep our trains running on time and, in extreme cases, may force us to reduce our schedule of service. The following information is intended to help our passengers better understand Metra’s challenges during severe winter weather, how it can impact service and what you can do to better prepare when snow and ice are in the forecast. But we do everything we can to make sure My Metra is running for you. Snow, ice and subzero temperatures make winter travel a challenge for everyone in Chicago – including Metra.
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