Metra Security Drones Expand Rail Safety Monitoring

Metra security drones are now monitoring Chicago-area rail lines and facilities under a pilot program designed to improve safety and shorten response times during critical incidents.

The Metra Police Department⁠ has purchased three Beyond Visual Line of Sight drones and placed them at the 18th Street Yard on the Metra Electric Line and the Western Avenue Coach Yard. Licensed Metra police officers control and monitor the aircraft remotely.

Metra security drones add remote incident coverage

Each aircraft carries high-definition video, 3-D rendering and infrared equipment, with a flight range of approximately three miles. Metra can share live visuals with first responders, partner agencies and communities served by the commuter railroad.

Metra Executive Director/CEO Jim Derwinski said road traffic and distance can delay officers traveling to incidents along the network.

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“These drones and their expanded capabilities allow us to quickly get eyes on the scene and accurately assess the situation.”

The agency said the video feed should help law enforcement, employees and partner organizations decide how to respond safely. The aircraft may also assist CTA and Pace during service disruptions or security incidents when locations fall within drone range.

Metra Police already operated tethered and piloted drones, but those aircraft required officers to be present at the launch site. The remotely operated units are intended to provide faster initial assessment while supplying responders with a live view of conditions.

Metra security drones support inspections and expansion

The $620,000 project is funded through FEMA’s Transit Security Grant Program⁠, which supports eligible public transportation systems seeking to protect critical infrastructure and passengers.

Beyond incident response, Metra expects to use the drones for infrastructure inspections, emergency-response training, station and parking-capacity reviews, crowd monitoring and storm-damage assessments.

The commuter railroad has also applied for another round of federal security funding. A future expansion would initially focus on trespassing hot spots, rail yards and construction sites, extending aerial coverage beyond the two facilities used in the pilot.