METRA

New Metra CEO vows to boost passenger satisfaction, bring reforms

The new executive in charge of running Metra vowed Tuesday to make passenger satisfaction, fiscal responsibility and in-house reforms his top priorities in taking over the nation's third-largest commuter rail system.

Metra's directors unanimously named Alex Clifford, 51, an official with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, as Metra's executive director and CEO. ( Read METRA more... )

Chicago's Metra commuter rail hires new executive director

CHICAGO (AP) — Chicago's suburban commuter train district has appointed a Los Angeles transportation official as its new executive director.

The Chicago Tribune reports Tuesday that Alexander Clifford has a three-year, $252,500-a-year contract. He replaces former Metra executive Phil Pagano, who committed suicide last May by stepping in front of a Metra train. Pagano was accused of improperly taking nearly a half-million dollars in vacation pay. ( Read METRA more... )

Metra names new executive director

Metra, Chicago’s suburban commuter train, has appointed a new executive director. Alexander Clifford was named the new executive director Tuesday reports the Chicago Tribune.

Clifford is 51 and is the executive officer for high-speed rail at the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Authority. He has worked for the Los Angeles County MTA since 2001 and is expected to bring strong leadership to the position. ( Read METRA more... )

Metra selects L.A. rail exec as new CEO

Metra has picked Alexander Clifford, an executive with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, to be the commuter rail agency’s new executive director and CEO.

The appointment was made Tuesday in a unanimous vote by the 11-member Metra Board of Directors, a release from the agency said. ( Read METRA more... )

Metra cancels trains due to blizzard

Metra is canceling several trains due to the dangerous weather conditions.

Inbound Southwest Service train No.838, scheduled to depart Orland Park at 7:55 p.m. will not be running Tuesday evening. The next train, No.840, will leave Orland Park at 8:25 p.m., a Metra service advisory said.

On the Metra Electric District Line, train No.136 scheduled to leave University Park at 5:40 p.m. and arrive in Chicago at 6:46 p.m. will not operate. The next train, No.140, left University Park at 6:40 p.m. and is expected to arrive in Chicago at 7:41 p.m. ( Read METRA more... )

Metra goes to a ‘load and go’ schedule

Thanks to swelling crowds at downtown train stations, Metra ditched its regular schedule this afternoon and began sending out trains as they filled.

Metra went to the “load and go” plan as downtown workers skipped out early and packed the downtown stations.

The biggest crowds were at Union Station around 2 p.m., Metra spokeswoman Judy Pardonnet said. ( Read METRA more... )

How do you keep the trains running in a blizzard ?

For a major commuter rail line like Metra, even a small block of ice can cause big problems.

It could take just a single frozen chunk to jam one of the many switches along a Metra line, bringing trains to a halt and delaying thousands of riders.

Metra uses gas-powered heaters to keep the switches operating, and runs crews continuously along the lines to clear accumulating snow.

“If a chunk of ice drops into a switch, a heater can’t address that problem,” Metra spokeswoman Meg Reile said. “That can jam a switch. We have to physically go out and remove it.” ( Read METRA more... )

Metra service changes due to blizzard

Due to the large number of commuters departing downtown Chicago prior to the normal evening rush, Metra advises commuters to check train departure message boards before going to their regular platforms.

Metra is alternating service on its trains to accommodate these passengers. Trains are departing as they fill to expedite departure from downtown.

Metral will continually update its webstie, www.metrarail.com, and provide rider alerts via e-mail for My Metra account holders and to Twitter subscribers throughout the storm. ( Read METRA more... )

Chicago Weather Hour By Hour: Midway Closed/METRA Clogged (video)

Chicago Blizzard 2011: Chicago Weather, Hour By Hour, Getting Worse - O'Hare Cancellations/ Midway Airport Closed/METRA Schedule, Delays (video)

Chicago seems to be grinding to a halt as the impact of the snowstorm is beginning to be felt. The Chicago weather, hour by hour, is creating new challenges for city officials and residents. ( Read METRA more... )

CTA, Metra: We’re ready for blizzard

The CTA and Metra say they’re ready for the pending blizzard — and some hotels are prepared for stranded travelers.

♦ Buses and trains will operate on a regular weekday schedule, but the CTA is prepared to provide early rush hour service today should riders leave work early. ( Read METRA more... )

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Courtesy : Chicago Tribune , Los Angeles Times , College News , WLS AM , Chicago Sun Times , NorthWest Herald & Now Public