Metra
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| Overview | |||
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| Owner | Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) | ||
| Locale | Chicago Metropolitan Area, United States | ||
| Transit type | Commuter rail | ||
| Number of lines | 11 | ||
| Number of stations | 241 | ||
| Daily ridership | 292,000 (weekday, FY2013) 109,700 (weekend, FY2013) |
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| Chief executive | Don Orseno | ||
| Website | metrarail |
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| Operation | |||
| Began operation | 1984 | ||
| Operator(s) | Metra Union Pacific, BNSF |
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| Reporting marks | METX | ||
| Technical | |||
| System length | 487.7 mi (784.9 km) | ||
| Track gauge |
4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) (standard gauge) |
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Metra (reporting mark METX) is a commuter railroad in the Chicago metropolitan area. The railroad operates 241 stations on 11 different rail lines. It is the fourth busiest commuter rail system in the United States by ridership and the largest and busiest commuter rail system outside the New York City metropolitan area. There were 83.4 million passenger rides in 2014, up 1.3% from the previous year. The estimated busiest day for Metra ridership occurred on Nov. 4, 2016—the day of the Chicago Cubs 2016 World Series victory rally.
Using Chicago's rail infrastructure, much of which was created in the 19th century, the Illinois General Assembly established the RTA, and later Metra, to serve commuters by rail. Metra's creation was a result of the anticipated failure of commuter service operated and owned by various private railroad companies in the 1970s. Freight rail companies still operate some routes; however, these operations are guided by contracted service agreements. Metra owns all and is responsible for all stations along with the respective municipalities. Since its inception, Metra has directed more than $5 billion into the commuter rail system of the Chicago metropolitan area.
Since its founding in the 19th century, Chicago has been a major Midwestern hub in the North American rail network. It has more trackage radiating in more directions than any other city in North America. Railroads set up their headquarters in the city and Chicago became a center for building freight cars, passenger cars and diesel locomotives.
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