Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Why doesn’t Metra have wireless internet on its trains yet? Mostly because it would be enormously expensive and a technological challenge, too. But should they?
Should Metra get Wi-Fi? Even if it’s expensive and hard to implement and maintain? The commuter-rail network is considering the possibility, the Chicago Tribune and other news agencies report, but price and technology continue to be two major barriers, despite that a DePaul University report shows 48 percent of Metra riders use personal electronic devices during their commutes. According to the paper, it could cost over $70 million to install wireless internet on all 11 Metra lines over five years—though some of that could perhaps be recouped by paid plans or sponsorships—and there’s a fear that the technology might quickly become obsolete or go unused by customers who prefer other connectivity, like smart-phone hotspots or air-cards. "(…
Monday, May 13, 2013
Highland Park ranks 18th according to Crain's tracking of household income in the zip codes of Metra train stations.
A look at income levels in suburban towns with Metra stops provides a glimpse at the disparity in wealth throughout the area, according to a map by Crain's Chicago Business Journal. Among all Chicago and suburban Metra stops, Highland Park ranked as the 18th highest income with an average income of $114,680, according to Crain's. Highland Park residents are in the top 10 percent for the highest incomes, according to the map. Neighboring Deerfield ranked as the 14th highest income with an average income of $126,943; Lake Forest ranked 11th with an average income of $133,383; and Lake Bluff ranked 35th with an average income of $101,858. The Metra station that ranked as number one was Kennilworth where the average income came in at $242,188…
Monday, February 4, 2013
The price of the 10-ride ticket is no longer discounted.
Metra riders are no longer getting a discount for purchasing a 10-ride fare. The Metra Board of Directors voted last month to change the cost of the once discounted 10-ride pass to be equivalent to the price of 10 one-way fares. The change was made to help fund capital improvement projects, the Pioneer Press reports. The policy went into effect Feb 1. Highland Park commuters will now pay $52.50 for a 10-ride pass, or $5.25 for a one-way ticket. Monthly passes are $149.50 and weekend tickets are $7. Ten-ride tickets purchased between Nov. 17 and Jan. 31 are valid through Feb. 28. What do you think about the Metra fare increase? Will you take Metra less?
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Metra's board voted to drop the discount on its 10-ride ticket.
Folks who ride the Metra regularly may now have to shell out an extra few bucks for every 10th trip. That's because the Metra board of directors voted 8-2 on Nov. 16 to raise the cost of a 10-ride ticket. The new 10-ride ticket would cost the same as 10 individual tickets. In the past, the discounted fare only charged the equivalent of nine rides. The increased fare would go into effect Feb. 1, and 10-Ride tickets purchased Nov. 17 through Jan. 31 would be valid only through Feb. 28, according to the Metra website. Even though the measure was passed by the board, the fare increase cannot legally be adopted until Metra holds a meeting for public comment. These public hearings will be held simultaneously at eight Chicagoland locations from 4…
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
He manages to drive his car just enough off tracks at Waukegan and Halfday roads.
- POLICE & FIRE
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Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Lake Forest resident Michael Bungert was given two tickets after his 2010 GMC Terrain was struck in the rear by a northbound Metra train early Tuesday morning near the intersection of Waukegan and Half Day roads, according to the Lake County News-Sun . Bungert, 57, was transported to Highland Park Hospital where he was treated and released for minor injuries after all of the vehicle's air bags deployed. According to the News-Sun article, Bungert was driving southbound on Waukegan Road at approximately 7:30 a.m. and attempted to make a right turn onto westbound Half Day Road. The intersection is under heavy construction. Bungert told Bannockburn police he turned in between two barrels where there was space for a car to proceed through, …
Friday, May 18, 2012
The meeting of leaders from around the globe—along with the anticipated protests—will affect transportation, museums and a whole lot more.
Traffic jams, detours and public transit delays are three sure results of the NATO summit this coming weekend, when more than 60 heads of state from around the country will descend upon Chicago. Want Highland Park news in your inbox every morning? Subscribe to Patch's newsletter. Workers downtown are being told to swap their suits for jeans and t-shirts in order to blend in with protesters, while police and hospital staff are on alert for mass mobilization in case things get out of hand. Along with all government buildings, police will be paying special attention to the CTA and the Metra, officials said. HERE'S HOW THE NATO SUMMIT MAY AFFECT YOU If you plan to ride the CTA: If you take Metra: If you drive: And here are a few other things …
Thursday, February 2, 2012
New price structure started Wednesday.
- THE NEIGHBORHOOD FILES
- Steve Sadin
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Thursday, February 2, 2012
Some Highland Park and Deerfield commuters will be making personal adjustments when Metra’s new pricing structure becomes effective today while others are taking it in stride. Linda Rongey of Highland Park just got a job in the city and was looking forward to commuting to work on a train rather than taking her car every day. She will feel the pinch of the higher prices. “I have two kids, one in college and one in the Marines (who just graduated). This is going to make things harder,” Rongey said. “I was looking forward to taking the train. It drops me off right in front (of the new job).” Robert Feiger of Deerfield, who takes the train to Chicago on a regular basis, can afford the hike but feels for those who cannot. “Thirty-five percent …
Monday, January 9, 2012
Incident occurred shortly before 7 a.m. Monday.
Update 3:20 p.m.: The 15-year-old Lake Forest High School student hit by a Metra train Monday morning died, TribLocal reports. Counselors met with the boy's classmates, according to TribLocal. Earlier: Metra trains are running delayed Monday morning after a pedestrian was hit by a train near Lake Forest, according to the Metra website. The man was not killed and has been transported to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, reports the Tribune. From Metra: All tracks have been released for movement past the accident site near Lake Forest. The following trains are operating behind schedule: For more news and updates from Highland Park Patch, "like" us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter!
Friday, July 8, 2011
Chicagoland commuters should have a more seamless way to use the three transit agencies by 2015.
A universal fare card system for RTA, Metra and Pace transportation systems was signed into legislation by Gov. Pat Quinn Thursday, according to the Chicago Daily Herald. The bill will "allow riders to use credit or debit cards or prepaid cards on all transit systems effective Jan. 1, 2015." "This is 21st century transit reform," Quinn said during the signing ceremony, according to The Chicago Tribune. “Now it's the law and everyone will work toward that date,” RTA deputy executive director of communications Diane Palmer told the Herald. “This is obviously a key priority for the RTA.” Additionally, the law calls for Metra to create a train tracking system that is similar to the Chicago Transit Authorities' Bus and Train Tracker programs, …
Monday, June 27, 2011
May, Dold and Dold's opposition head to weekend event.
Bicycle riding was a big part of the weekend for Rep. Robert Dold (R-Kenilworth), state Rep. Karen May (D-Highland Park) and two of the three Democrats seeking their party’s nomination to oppose Dold in 2012. Dold and May spent an hour Saturday at the Glencoe Grand Prix bicycle race, a major event on the local cycling circuit, where they awarded school age racers. Both found some time for politics as well. Bike-friendly politicians Before Dold and May arrived in Glencoe, Deerfield business consultant Brad Schneider was ready to watch his son, Adam, compete in the 18 and under division of the bike race. The candidate for the Democratic nomination to unseat Dold in the redrawn 10th Congressional District sees cycling as part of an energy …
Walter White
9:44 pm on Thursday, May 16, 2013
Metra ought to stay out of the phone business, and focus on the train business. more ›