Union Pacific to transfer commuter-lines' train operations to Metra in April

In mid-April, Union Pacific Railroad will turn over train operation services on three Chicago commuter-rail lines to Metra, the Class I announced yesterday.

UP 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, UP officials said in a press release.

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

In August 2024, Metra and UP agreed to mediate the compensation matter before the Surface Transportation Board. The mediation, which had been extended several times, ended Jan. 31 without an agreement.

UP extended an offer to Metra to use binding arbitration to resolve the issue, UP officials said.

"We are committed to reaching a financial agreement this year that is fair to both parties," said Lisa Stark, UP's vice president of public affairs. In the meantime, UP will continue to maintain the track and manage train movements on all three lines.