Metra reduced service Friday amid Chicago cold forecast

Metra reduced service Friday on all routes, scaling back operations for Friday, Jan. 23, as a severe cold forecast targets the Chicago region, as reported by Trains.com.

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Severe-weather schedules and what service will look like

Riders can find Metra’s severe-weather schedules on the Metra website, and the agency is urging passengers to look them over before traveling. On most lines, the reduced operation is expected to mirror Saturday and Sunday service levels, aligning service with the ridership Metra anticipates.

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Why travel times may increase in extreme cold?

Metra said the approach is designed to provide adequate service for predicted ridership while limiting moves through switch points to reduce opportunities for service problems. Travel times will be longer because speed restrictions take effect when temperatures drop below zero.

Updates, advisories, and extra crews in the field

Conditions could still force further adjustments. Passengers are advised to pay attention to platform announcements and to follow service advisories on the Metra website, consistent with Metra’s service disruption guidance. Metra also said extra personnel will be deployed to address mechanical and track issues and help minimize service disruptions.

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