Union Pacific and Metra commuter rail, a public transportation agency serving the Chicago metropolitan area, are working together to finalize the transfer of commuter rail services on three lines from Union Pacific to Metra.
The Union Pacific North, Northwest, and West lines will be transferred.
“We are proud of the work Metra and Union Pacific have accomplished to progress the transfer of services,” Liisa Stark, Union Pacific public affairs vice president, said. “We are committed to reaching a financial agreement this year that is fair to both parties.”
Some management services and mechanical and station agent services already have been transferred to Metra. In mid-April, train operation services will be transferred, followed by some engineering services. After the transfer, Union Pacific will continue to maintain the tracks and manage train movements.
Financial negotiations are ongoing regarding compensation for Metra’s use of Union Pacific’s tracks and infrastructure. The Surface Transportation Board meditated between August and Jan. 31 without an agreement being reached. Union Pacific has offered to use binding arbitration to resolve the issue.
Union Pacific operates in 23 states.
Metra serves Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane and McHenry counties in northeastern Illinois. Its system includes 11 rail lines, 243 stations and more than 500 route miles.