Metra Wants To Know What It Would Take For You To Ride The Train

CHICAGO — Anyone looking to share feedback with Metra officials about how they would like to see the interurban rail system change in the coming years has until Wednesday to fill out a survey.

Rail officials asked members of the public to fill out the questionnaire to describe their experiences with Metra, whether they currently ride its trains or not.

Metra has embarked on a project called the Systemwide Network Plan, which will guide its infrastructure spending and service offered over the next 20 years.

Following ridership changes associated with the coronavirus pandemic, Metra aims to move away from focusing mainly on serving rush-hour commuters to becoming a regional rail service that operates more frequently throughout the day.

“Through this plan, we're asking ourselves three key questions: Where do Metra riders want to go? How can Metra get you there? And what will Metra do to make it happen?” consultant Katrina Balog said last month during a Metra webinar about the new plan.

Balog said the new plan has three ways of understanding where potential rides are looking to get to.

"First, we've developed four future scenarios to test potential ridership. Second, we're using market analysis and transit modeling to test these future scenarios," she said. "Third, we have a survey that's active right now for both riders and non-riders alike to share their input about their travel habits and where they'd like to go."

As they evaluate line-by-line scheduling changes and potential new investments, rail officials want to hear from riders — and those who do not ride — so better respond to the changing market.

Looking ahead, Metra officials said they plan to present proposed service concepts early next year.

Metra's 2024 Systemwide Network Plan survey is open until June 19 »