Metra Adding Trains To SouthWest Line, Including Express Trains

CHICAGO – Metra is adding trains to the SouthWest line as more residents return to work and stay-at-home restrictions are lifted. The new schedule goes into effect on June 29.

The expanded service includes new morning and evening express trains on both the SouthWest Service line, marking the first time that express service has been available this particular line. The express trains are being offered as a pilot project, which customers have long requested. Metra is hoping to lured riders back to its trains as highway traffic increases after the three-month coronavirus shutdown.

“Although the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted service across the Metra system, we’ve used this time as an opportunity to reevaluate our service,” Metra CEO/Executive Director Jim Derwinski said in a news release. “As the residents of the Chicago region return to their work commutes and Metra ramps up service, we’re examining where and when the demand is, and using this information to make changes that we believe will better serve our customers.”

Three inbound and three outbound trains will be added to the SouthWest Service’s weekday schedule, including a 7:45 a.m. express train departing from the Orland Park/179th Street Station. This train will make all stops from Orland Park/179th Street to Palos Park, expressing to Oak Lawn and then expressing to Chicago Union Station, arriving at 8:43 a.m.

Additional trains, departing at 5:10 a.m. and 2:25 p.m., will provide local service between Orland Park/179th Street and Chicago. In the afternoon, Metra is adding a 3:45 p.m. departure from Chicago Union Station. This train will also provide express service to Oak Lawn, then express to Palos Park and make all stops to Manhattan, arriving at 5 p.m. Two additional outbound trains will also serve the line, departing Chicago Union Station at 6:30 a.m. and 12:45 p.m.

Unfortunately, there is no Saturday service available on the SouthWest Line, although Metra continues to evaluate service demands.

Alternate weekday schedules for all Metra service can be found at metrarail.com. Riders utlizing the SouthWest Service should review the new schedules here as there may be changes to departure times as well as the times of intermediate station stops along this route. Saturday service will be suspended on the SouthWest Service Line and the Metra Electric Blue Island Branch Line.

Metra will be prepared to change schedules on all lines to adjust to ridership growth and travel patterns. Metra will continue to closely monitor ridership and will add cars to trains or trains to the schedules to make sure that as ridership grows there will still be plenty of room for physical distancing.

Customers are reminded that Metra is now offering a $10 All-Day Pass. Buying the pass in the Ventra app provides a “Touch Less, Pay Less” option to ride trains safely and affordably. The pass will be available at least through July 31.

Metra is asking its passengers to take responsibility for their own actions. This includes practicing physical distancing, wearing a face covering while riding the train, and staying in their seat and not crowding the aisles or vestibules when the train is approaching their destination.

They should also follow all the other CDC recommendations, such as frequent hand washing, covering their mouths when coughing or sneezing, etc. And, if you don’t feel well, don’t ride the train. Service has also been added on the North Central and Heritage Corridor lines.