Metra alternate schedules for extreme weather

From the Metra web site:

(January 28, 2019) -
Due to the extreme cold weather forecast for the Chicago region this week, Metra will operate a modified schedule on Wednesday, Jan. 30.

Modified schedules for each Metra line can be found here. The schedules are designed to provide adequate service for the predicted ridership. The schedules will also reduce the use of mechanical equipment and the number of moves through switch points on the railroad, thereby minimizing opportunities for service disruptions.

Riders are also advised that travel times will increase due to speed restrictions that reduce maximum speeds for Metra trains to 60 mph when the temperatures drop lower than 10 below zero. Additional schedule changes may be made on Wednesday as conditions dictate and customers should monitor platform announcements and follow service advisories posted on metrarail.com. You can sign up to receive service advisories here.

Thursday’s schedule is yet to be determined, but riders will be notified as soon as the decision is made.

Metra’s intent with this modified schedule is to preserve the safety of our passengers during this extreme weather event. Extra personnel will be deployed throughout the event to address mechanical and track issues.
Here's the alternate schedule for extreme weather. It eliminates a bunch of rush hour trips.
https://metrarail.com/sites/default/files/assets/rev_rid_alternate_01.28.2019.pdf

non sequitur Friday

Just because I need something that feels like summer...

new Metra Rock Island schedule in effect as of Monday 1/28/19

Thanks to the implementation of Positive Train Control (PTC), we have a new Metra schedule effective next Monday 1/28.  The changes affect both morning and evening rush hour.  I'm sure we'll feel the pain on days when a mechanical issue or other problem causes the train we're waiting for to be delayed getting downtown and then be held a while for PTC system checks before we can head home. For more information about PTC and how it affects the schedule, click here.

One example: at evening rush hour, there's still a 5:05 train leaving LaSalle St. The next train serving Beverly and Morgan Park is now at 5:25, followed by 5:40 and 5:55.

You might want to check out the schedule in advance to figure out what changes you need to make to your daily routine. You may need to leave home a little earlier.

non sequitur Friday

a forgotten issue

As I've watched interviews and forums and read news articles and web sites featuring candidates for mayor as Election Day approaches, I've found it disturbing and frustrating that many of the candidates have little or nothing about issues other than education and public safety.  Those are important topics, but there are many others they can't afford to ignore. We need to know their ideas (and whether they have any ideas) regarding other topics such as transportation.

If our transportation systems don't function well, our city doesn't function. Transit and other non-car ways of getting around are critically important. There isn't enough space for everyone to drive and park. Many people can't afford the cost of owning, driving, maintaining and parking a car for daily transportation. The city works much better if fewer people drive.

This week, Active Transportation Now held a mayoral candidate forum on the topic of transit, focusing on CTA. If you'd like to watch a video of this forum and hear ideas from those candidates who chose to attend, here's a link.

It's worth doing some homework on the candidates. We can't afford to end up with a mayor who doesn't think that transportation is important and can't be bothered to answer questions about it.

non sequitur Friday

A few lesser known tracks from Chicago's earlier years....

non sequitur Friday

lost cat near 96th and Winchester

I went out for a walk this afternoon and saw this sad flyer on a pole. I hope that this cat is able to get home safely, and that if any of you spot him you'll help in the process.

unkind acts

In recent weeks, I've noticed a series of malicious acts around the neighborhood. Someone is damaging or destroyed garden fences, plants and trees. The damage I've observed has been in locations from 97th and Damen to 99th and Vanderpoel, including Ridge Park. It's possible that there may be more locations. These are just the ones I've seen. Some of this can be repaired. Some will cost money to fix or replace.

I've seen branches ripped off of trees, a young tree snapped off at the base and killed, plants torn out of the ground and vines pulled from fences. The most heartbreaking was a beautiful young tree destroyed in a yard at 99th and Vanderpoel. An unhealthy tree in Ridge Park was also snapped off at ground level. Some locations have been hit more than once. I have a theory about who might be responsible, but no proof.

Has anyone seen this type of vandalism in additional locations? Has anyone witnessed any of these acts of vandalism? If it's happened to you, please file a police report.