Metra uses GPS and signal data to revise BNSF Line schedule

Written by Kyra Senese, Managing Editor
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Metra

Metra, a commuter railroad that serves the Chicago suburbs, today announced a revised schedule for its BNSF Line schedule that is set to go into effect Oct. 9.

 

The new schedule’s release comes after the railroad made several minor adjustments to decrease passenger wait times and allow for departure times to better reflect operating conditions, Metra officials say.

The revisions are based on analyses of months of operating data commissioned by BNSF Railway and include altered timetables for about two-thirds of BNSF trains for some or all stops along the route, the majority of which add about one or two minutes per stop, but in some locations add four to seven minutes.

The railroad notes the new schedule does not affect arrival and departure times for trains at Union Station, which will maintain the normal schedule.

“We understand that for our customers, the timely arrival of our trains at their departing station can be nearly as important as the timely arrival at the final destination,” said Metra Executive Director/CEO Don Orseno. “That’s why we periodically review our schedules and adjust our timetables to make them as realistic – and therefore as reliable – as possible.”

Metra officials say uncontrollable factors including medical emergencies and weather conditions always pose risks to delaying trains.

The new schedule used months of GPS and signal data to establish the most realistic schedule. Trains now should more reliably depart as planned from their intermediate stops, although unpredictable factors still may result in some slight delays.

Metra’s new BNSF Line schedule is available for review here

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