Wi-Fi on Metra Trains: Pricey, but Worth It?

Why doesn’t Metra have wireless internet on its trains yet? Mostly because it would be enormously expensive and a technological challenge, too. But should they?

Should Metra get Wi-Fi? Even if it’s expensive and hard to implement and maintain?  The commuter-rail network is considering the possibility, the Chicago Tribune and other news agencies report, but price and technology continue to be two major barriers, despite that a DePaul University report shows 48 percent of Metra riders use personal electronic devices during their commutes.  According to the paper, it could cost over $70 million to install wireless internet on all 11 Metra lines over five years—though some of that could perhaps be recouped by paid plans or sponsorships—and there’s a fear that the technology might quickly become obsolete or go unused by customers who prefer other connectivity, like smart-phone hotspots or air-cards. "(…

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How Much Will the Metra Fare Hike Cost You?

Metra's board voted to drop the discount on its 10-ride ticket.

Folks who ride the Metra regularly may now have to shell out an extra few bucks for every 10th trip. That's because the Metra board of directors voted 8-2 on Nov. 16 to raise the cost of a 10-ride ticket. The new 10-ride ticket would cost the same as 10 individual tickets. In the past, the discounted fare only charged the equivalent of nine rides. The increased fare would go into effect Feb. 1, and 10-Ride tickets purchased Nov. 17 through Jan. 31 would be valid only through Feb. 28, according to the Metra website. Even though the measure was passed by the board, the fare increase cannot legally be adopted until Metra holds a meeting for public comment. These public hearings will be held simultaneously at eight Chicagoland locations from 4…

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Glenview Art School Students Win Metra Art Competition

The Metra transit agency received thousands of submissions for its sixth annual campaign to promote railroad safety awareness. The Art School in Glenview produced two of the contests 13 first place winners.

The following story was provided by Metra. Metra has announced the winners of its annual Safety Contest, designed to promote and reinforce railroad safety to keep children safe around trains. This year’s campaign drew record numbers with more than 5,500 students from nearly 250 schools throughout the region participating.  Local winners include Yebin Park, a Lyon School first graded and Art School in Glenview student, and Olivia Ho, a third grader at Glencoe's West School and Art School in Glenview student. A complete list of winners can be found at the bottom of the story.  Each year, Metra’s Safety Contest invites students in grades K-12 throughout its six-county service area to submit poster and essay entries highlighting the importance…

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How to Survive the NATO Summit

The meeting of leaders from around the globe—along with the anticipated protests—will affect transportation, museums and a whole lot more.

Traffic jams, detours and public transit delays are three sure results of the NATO summit this coming weekend, when more than 60 heads of state from around the country will descend upon Chicago. Workers downtown are being told to swap their suits for jeans and t-shirts in order to blend in with protesters, while police and hospital staff are on alert for mass mobilization in case things get out of hand. Don't miss a thing: Like us on Facebook! Along with all government buildings, police will be paying special attention to the CTA and the Metra, officials said. HERE'S HOW THE NATO SUMMIT MAY AFFECT YOU If you plan to ride the CTA: If you take Metra: If you drive: And here are a few other things to think about, according to the Chicago Sun-…

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Police Stage Crossing Safety Program, $250 Fines Blitz at Metra Station

When warning gates go down and bells sound, violators risk lighter pocketbooks in addition to their lives.

Glenview police will enthusiastically offer free, train safety education at the village’s Metra station between 6 and 8 a.m. Thursday and Friday. But if the commuter "students" they encounter don’t pay attention to those lessons, they could find themselves $250 poorer.  Stay up-to-date on the latest Glenview news: Like us on Facebook! In an annual event that is part of the statewide train safety program Operation Lifesaver, police are distributing informative material at the Metra station on awareness of crossing gates and laws against ignoring such warnings. The pamphleteering will be followed up Wednesday, May 16, and Thursday, May 17, by a ticketing blitz in which police will follow the letter of the law. Pedestrians and motorists will …

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Joanna Schneider

5:55 pm on Thursday, May 17, 2012

Glenn, it's fascinating to see a mass of people on the tracks seconds before the arrival of a train. I've featured the photo above and have included a caption referencing your comment. Thanks for sharing! By the way, anyone receive one of those $250 tickets either yesterday or today? Tell us your story...   more ›

Metra Fatality Ruled A Suicide

The victim had previously lived in Glenview, according to officials.

The Cook County Medical Examiner's Office has ruled the March 29th death of William Woitesek a suicide. Woitesek, 49, died on the train tracks just south of the Morton Grove train station last Thursday night around 8 p.m., according to information provided earlier by Morton Grove police. A Medical Examiner's Office staff member named Mary M., who asked that her last name not be used, provided information regarding confirmation of suicide. She also said Woitesek had lived at 6300 W. Touhy, Niles. That is the address of the Leaning Tower YMCA, which has residential rooms. Morton Grove police said Woitesek, had also lived at prior addresses in Glenview and Des Plaines. According to Woitesek's Facebook page, he attended Loyola Academy in …

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Metra Fare Hikes, New Policy in Effect

Old tickets to expire one year from purchase.

Quinn Approves Universal Fare Card for RTA, Metra and Pace

Chicagoland commuters should have a more seamless way to use the three transit agencies by 2015.

A universal fare card system for RTA, Metra and Pace transportation systems was signed into legislation by Gov. Pat Quinn Thursday, according to the Chicago Daily Herald. The bill will "allow riders to use credit or debit cards or prepaid cards on all transit systems effective Jan. 1, 2015." "This is 21st century transit reform," Quinn said during the signing ceremony, according to The Chicago Tribune. “Now it's the law and everyone will work toward that date,” RTA deputy executive director of communications Diane Palmer told the Herald. “This is obviously a key priority for the RTA.” Additionally, the law calls for Metra to create a train tracking system that is similar to the Chicago Transit Authorities' Bus and Train Tracker programs, …

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Local Politicians Talk Cycling at Glencoe Grand Prix

May, Dold and Dold's opposition head to weekend event.

Bicycle riding was a big part of the weekend for Rep. Robert Dold (R-Kenilworth), state Rep. Karen May (D-Highland Park) and two of the three Democrats seeking their party’s nomination to oppose Dold in 2012. Dold and May spent an hour Saturday at the Glencoe Grand Prix bicycle race, a major event on the local cycling circuit, where they awarded school age racers.  Both found some time for politics as well.  Bike-friendly politicians Before Dold and May arrived in Glencoe, Deerfield business consultant Brad Schneider was ready to watch his son, Adam, compete in the 18 and under division of the bike race. The candidate for the Democratic nomination to unseat Dold in the redrawn 10th Congressional District sees cycling as part of an energy …

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VIDEO: Seniors Voice Opinions on RTA Free Ride Changes

Most seniors at a recent RTA meeting said they are OK to pay for transit.

The Regional Transit Authority, which oversees the CTA, Metra and Pace, held an informational meeting concerning upcoming changes to the Seniors Ride Free program Thursday afternoon at the Levy Senior Center in Evanston. Officials from all transportation services were on hand to hear questions and concerns about the changes that will go into effect Sept. 1. The Seniors Ride Free program will now be known as the Seniors Circuit Ride Free program and the Seniors Reduced Fare program. To qualify for the Circuit Ride Ride Free program a senior would need to make less than $27, 610 individually, $36,635 for a two-person household, or $45,657 for a household of three or more. Diane Palmer, the RTA's deputy executive director of communications, …

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