Metra to STB: Require UP to continue allowing commuter service on 3 Chicago lines

Late last week Metra asked the Surface Transportation Board (STB) to require Union Pacific Railroad to allow the Chicago commuter railroad to continuing operating on three UP lines.

In its March 7 filing, Metra said it was applying for terminal trackage rights because as of July 1, UP could terminate Metra's use of the three UP lines it now serves. Metra claims that UP has put Metra’s service at risk by demanding that the railroad pay "economically unreasonable and monopolistic rates" to continue using the UP lines for commuter service.

"Metra requests that the board proceed expeditiously so that Metra can continue providing a vital service without interruption," the commuter railroad's filing states.

Last month, UP announced that it would turn over train operation services on the three commuter rail lines to Metra. The Class I said then that it is continuing to finalize the transfer of commuter-rail service to Metra on the Union Pacific North, Northwest and West lines.

Mechanical and station agent services, along with some management services, already have been transferred to Metra. Engineering services will be transferred after train operations are transferred.

The two railroads have yet to reach a financial agreement for the transfer, including compensation for Metra's use of UP track and infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Metra is soliciting riders' input on what they think about potentially renaming rail lines to make the system easier to understand for new and occasional riders. A survey is now underway, and can be accessed here.