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News Wire: Price increases, service cuts begin for Metra

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Posted by Brian Schmidt on Wednesday, January 31, 2018 3:54 PM

Chicago rail commuters face notable changes beginning Thursday as Metra imposes fare increases, with service cutbacks to begin on Monday, Feb. 5. The new fares include: — A 25-cent increase in the price of one-way tickets in all zones. —...

http://trn.trains.com/news/news-wire/2018/01/31-price-increases-service-cuts-begin-for-metra

Brian Schmidt, Editor, Classic Trains magazine

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Posted by CSSHEGEWISCH on Thursday, February 1, 2018 8:22 AM

There has been a fair amount of grousing over the fare increase but they still aren't that high.  My monthly ticket between Zones A and D (15-20 miles from CUS) is now $181.25, which is lower than comparable rides in other areas.

The daily commute is part of everyday life but I get two rides a day out of it. Paul
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Posted by blue streak 1 on Friday, February 2, 2018 10:07 PM

CSSHEGEWISCH

There has been a fair amount of grousing over the fare increase but they still aren't that high.  My monthly ticket between Zones A and D (15-20 miles from CUS) is now $181.25, which is lower than comparable rides in other areas.

 
Wonder how much it would cost you to drive ?  Wear and tear on car, direct operating costs, Parking ?.  Lost work time on train ?
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Posted by BaltACD on Sunday, February 4, 2018 2:37 PM

blue streak 1
 
CSSHEGEWISCH

There has been a fair amount of grousing over the fare increase but they still aren't that high.  My monthly ticket between Zones A and D (15-20 miles from CUS) is now $181.25, which is lower than comparable rides in other areas. 

Wonder how much it would cost you to drive ?  Wear and tear on car, direct operating costs, Parking ?.  Lost work time on train ?

Considering the costs of 'downtown' parking (even if you get a monthly rate) and the costs of fuel, wear & tear of the vehicle and time required to navigate to the city from 20 miles out the $181.25 for a monthly commute ticket sounds like a real bargin if your work location is anywhere near station locations.

Just the aggrivation I have experienced in circumnavigating the Chicago area expressways on my trips from Maryland to race at Elkhart Lake, WI (Road America Raceway) would indicate if one can make the commuter trains work for you it is the only way to go.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

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Posted by CMStPnP on Sunday, February 4, 2018 7:21 PM

BaltACD
Considering the costs of 'downtown' parking (even if you get a monthly rate) and the costs of fuel, wear & tear of the vehicle and time required to navigate to the city from 20 miles out the $181.25 for a monthly commute ticket sounds like a real bargin if your work location is anywhere near station locations. Just the aggrivation I have experienced in circumnavigating the Chicago area expressways on my trips from Maryland to race at Elkhart Lake, WI (Road America Raceway) would indicate if one can make the commuter trains work for you it is the only way to go.

I lived in Schaumburg, IL at the Hyatt Place Hotel for a full year on a IT Project at AC Nielsen.   I had a rental car but would always take Metra into the City.    There is no comparison relative to a car unless you only travel downtown on a Sunday.    The Train beats on speed, money saved on parking and of course worring your car will be broken into or stolen.    You have to use the Chicago Bus System though beyond a 4 mile radius because the city cabs are pretty expensive.

I did not like the Metra cars in Winter though.   The all stainless steel construction and naugahyde seats.........fricken radiated the cold from the outside into the car.   If your a 300-350+ lb Chicago Bears Fan with plumbers exposed crack pants, you probably don't notice it but if your body height and weight porportional and sitting next to the window you feel it.    I like the Bombaridier Cars better in Dallas..........no cold radiation in winter.

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Posted by CSSHEGEWISCH on Monday, February 5, 2018 7:52 AM

CMStPnP
 

I did not like the Metra cars in Winter though.   The all stainless steel construction and naugahyde seats.........fricken radiated the cold from the outside into the car.   If your a 300-350+ lb Chicago Bears Fan with plumbers exposed crack pants, you probably don't notice it but if your body height and weight porportional and sitting next to the window you feel it.    I like the Bombaridier Cars better in Dallas..........no cold radiation in winter.

 
I've ridden the bi-levels through lots of winters and the only time that I have taken a chill was once or twice when the heat on that car (not the entire train) did not work.  You really need to learn how to dress for winter weather in the Midwest.
The daily commute is part of everyday life but I get two rides a day out of it. Paul
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Posted by n012944 on Monday, February 5, 2018 6:43 PM

CSSHEGEWISCH

 

 
CMStPnP
 

I did not like the Metra cars in Winter though.   The all stainless steel construction and naugahyde seats.........fricken radiated the cold from the outside into the car.   If your a 300-350+ lb Chicago Bears Fan with plumbers exposed crack pants, you probably don't notice it but if your body height and weight porportional and sitting next to the window you feel it.    I like the Bombaridier Cars better in Dallas..........no cold radiation in winter.

 

 

 
I've ridden the bi-levels through lots of winters and the only time that I have taken a chill was once or twice when the heat on that car (not the entire train) did not work.  You really need to learn how to dress for winter weather in the Midwest.
 

 

Don't fall for his normal uneducated anti Illinois trolling.

An "expensive model collector"

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