Indian Hill Metra Station

The condition of the Indian Hill Metra station is below standard.  Passengers are forced to wait out in the open. The only protection from the elements is a roof which protects from the rain. There are no enclosed shelters, no heating lamps and no wind barriers to help make the wait more comfortable.

I understand that it is Union Pacific, not Winnetka, that owns and maintains the railroad, stations and shelters. Union Pacific, and its customer Metra, should improve the conditions at Indian Hill. Improvements are long overdue. This station has languished in its present condition for decades.

Metra is a very poorly run operation. Their troubles are well documented. We need only look as far as last winter. Metra often stranded passengers on platforms in bitterly cold, dangerous, harsh elements. Last winter’s weather was particularly tough, but Metras history is replete with service interruptions, poor customer communication, antiquated equipment, etc.. They simply are unable to deliver consistent, reliable service in adverse weather conditions.

I would like to see Winnetka act. Yes, it is Metra and Union Pacific who should pay to improve the conditions at Indian Hill, but lets be realistic, they have no plans to do so. Even if they did, money is a constant problem for Metra and repairs are improvements take many years. I urge our leadership to press Union Pacific and Metra to immediately improve conditions. Also, give Winnetka citizens a contact whom we can call to ask for these improvements. Perhaps the squeaky wheel can help the process along. But I am skeptical that asking or complaining will result in action. So given the reality of the situation, I also urge our village to offer to make improvements at Village expense.

It is fair to ask why Winnetka should volunteer to absorb an expense that should be shouldered by Union Pacific. The answer is that we cannot count on Union Pacific or Metra do what should be done. The end result is that our citizens suffer. It is our citizens who stand on the desolate platform and endure the elements. It is our New Trier kids who stand on that platform in the afternoon waiting to go home. It is our disabled citizens who cannot even access the elevated platform.

The status quo is unacceptable and I urge our village leadership to affect a remedy.

Jerry Israelov
Winnetka