Community Corner
Could Metra Convert Electric Line to Rapid Transit?
Mayor Rahm Emanuel is interested, and Metra, the RTA and CTA have begun talks.
Chicago, IL - An idea has surfaced to convert the Metra Electric District line that runs from downtown to Hyde Park and University Park with off-shoots to Blue Island and South Chicago to a form of rapid transit with trains running at more stops and every 10-15 minutes.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel has asked the Regional Transportation Authority to begin a discussion with Metra and the CTA on the possibility, according to the Chicago Tribune.
"The RTA is working with the CTA and Metra," RTA Chairman Kirk Dillard said.
Find out what's happening in South Sidefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Dillard noted the high number of steps that would need to take place in order for the conversion to happen.
Difficulties could arise in syncing the Vetra system with Metra’s distance based fares, and two previous similar proposals over the last 20 years couldn’t gain any steam.
Find out what's happening in South Sidefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"We need to get a handle obviously on the finances, as well as ridership numbers historically in that area,” Dillard said. “We're in the preliminary fact-finding stages."
Photo via Wikimedia Commons
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