Metra, a rail system serving the six-county Chicago area, is seeking public feedback on what riders think about the potential renaming of lines.
Union Pacific Railroad is transitioning the Union Pacific North, Northwest, and West lines to Metra. Metra is now reconsidering all its line names which follow no logical or consistent pattern. The names can be confusing for new users. The two lines with “Milwaukee” in their names, for example, do not go to that city but instead were once part of the Milwaukee Road.
Metra has launched an online survey asking riders to choose between three naming options. Riders are asked to pick the system that is easiest for new and occasional riders to understand.
The agency believes clear and consistent line names may encourage infrequent and first-time riders to ride more often because the system would be easier to understand. Four out of 10 riders ride only once a year, according to research, while 7 out of 10 customers ride once a month or less.
Metra also is holding outreach events this week to solicit feedback. The first event was held Tuesday. Events will be held today at Ogilvie Transportation Center and Thursday at Millennium Station and LaSalle Street Station from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.