Illinois – Page 3 – Railfanning.org

Metra Ridership Remains Below Pre-Pandemic Levels as Expenses Grow

July 7, 2022 The Center Square

Ridership on Metra, the taxpayer-supported commuter train agency that serves Chicago and its suburbs, continued to remain significantly below pre-pandemic levels in 2021 while the agency’s operating expenses continued to grow.

Lawmakers Frustrated Over Blocked Rail Crossings and Late Passenger Trains

June 22, 2022 The Center Square

The head of the Federal Railroad Administration was put on the defensive regarding poor on-time service by Amtrak trains in Illinois that taxpayers subsidize.

Metra Announces Flat Ticket Prices Through 2022

October 28, 2021 The Center Square

Metra announced a new $900 million budget, that restores services on all lines to pre-pandemic levels and keeps ticket prices flat in 2022.

Metra Turns to Wabtec for Equipment Contract

October 22, 2021 Railfanning.org News Wire

Metra, the Chicago area commuter rail system, has tapped Wabtec Corp. to upgrade and modernize the system’s fleet.

Metra Agrees to Buy up to 500 Multilevel Railcars from Alstom

January 15, 2021 Railfanning.org News Wire

About 40 percent of Metra’s current fleet of 840 cars are rated in marginal or poor condition, officials say, adding that the new cars will offer increased reliability and reducing operating costs.

A N.J. Transit train departs from Montvale, N.J. on Feb. 10, 2016.

FTA Announces $9.1 Million for 10 projects in Nine States

October 8, 2020 Railfanning.org News Wire

The money, through the Safety Research and Demonstration and the Bus Operator Compartment programs, supports safety and innovation in the transit industry.

Railroads, Jurisdictions Observe Rail Safety Week

September 23, 2020 Railfanning.org News Wire

Railroads and jurisdictions across the United States and Canada are observing Rail Safety Week.

CTA Marks 25 Years Since Moving to Color-Coded Rail Lines

April 20, 2018 Railfanning.org News Wire

The CTA on Feb. 21, 1993, unveiled new designations that used color-coded train signs and maps, replacing names or streets for the various rail lines.

Vandalia Railroad Co.: A Short-Line in Illinois’ Former State Capital

August 31, 2016 Todd DeFeo

The quiet hamlet of Vandalia is perhaps best known as the location of Illinois’ fourth capitol or as the one-time western terminus of the National Road.

Illinois Railway Museum Offers Incredible Collection

August 30, 2016 Todd DeFeo

The Illinois Railway Museum was founded in 1953 when a group of enthusiasts came together to purchase and preserve an Indiana Railroad interurban car.