METRAFACT BOOK
Norman Carlson, ChairmanJim Derwinski, CEO/Executive Director
2019
TABLE ofCONTENTSOverview 4
System Map 5
Ridership 6
By the Numbers 7
Benefits 8
Diversity 9
Mission, Vision and Strategic Goals 10
History 12
Metra Board of Directors 14
Operating Budget and Capital Program 15
2019 Funding Uses 16
Addressing Metra’s Capital Needs 17
How We Compare to Other Railroads 18
3
Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter
rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage,
Will, Lake, Kane and McHenry counties in northeastern
Illinois. The agency provides service to and from
downtown Chicago with 242 stations over 11 routes
totaling nearly 500 route miles and approximately 1,200
miles of track. Metra operates nearly 700 weekday trains,
providing nearly 290,000 passenger trips each weekday.
The Metra service area encompasses more than 3,700
square miles. Metra owns and operates four rail lines
(Rock Island, Metra Electric, Milwaukee District North and
Milwaukee District West). Three Metra lines are operated by
Metra employees over freight railroad-owned track through
trackage rights or lease agreements (Heritage Corridor, North
Central Service and SouthWest Service). Four additional
Metra lines are operated directly by freight railroads through
purchase-of-service agreements (BNSF, Union Pacific
North, Union Pacific Northwest and Union Pacific West).
4
OVERVIEW
* Source: Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency Program
25 percent of all U.S. freight rail traffic travels through the Chicago region.*
25 percent of all U.S. freight rail traffic travels through the Chicago region.*
5
UP-N
UP-NW
UP-W
MD-N
MD-W
NCS
BNSF
ME
HC
SWS
RI
Winthrop Harbor
Zion
Waukegan
North Chicago
Great Lakes
Lake Bluff
Lake Forest
Fort SheridanHighwood
Highland Park
Braeside
Glencoe
Hubbard WoodsWinnetka
Indian Hill
Ravinia
KenilworthWilmette
Central St. (Evanston)
Davis St. (Evanston)
Main St. (Evanston)
Rogers Park
Ravenswood
Clybourn
CHICAGO
To Keno
sha
Fox Lake
Ingleside
Long LakeRound Lake
Grayslake
Libertyville
LakeForest
Deerfield
Lake CookRd.
Northbrook
Glenview
N. Glenview
Golf
Morton Grove
Edgebrook
Forest Glen
MayfairIrving Park
Western
GraylandHealy
Harvard
McHenry
Woodstock
Crystal Lake CaryPingree Rd.
Fox River Grove
Barrington
Palatine
Arlington ParkArlington Heights
Mt. ProspectCumberland Des Plaines
Dee Road
Norwood ParkGladstone Park
Jefferson Park
Big Timber
Elgin
National St.(Elgin) Ba
rtle
tt
Hano
ver P
ark
Scha
umbu
rg
Rose
lleM
edin
ah
Itasc
a
Woo
d Da
le
Bens
envil
le
Mann
heim
Fran
klin
Park
Rive
r Gro
ve
Elmwo
odPa
rkMo
nt C
lare
Mars
Gale
wood
Hans
on P
ark
Grand/Cicero
Edison ParkRosemont
Schiller ParkFranklin Park
Park Ridge
Elburn
Wes
t Chi
cago
Win
field
Whe
aton
Colle
ge A
ve.
Glen
Elly
n
Lom
bard
Villa
Par
k
Elm
hurs
t
Berk
eley
Bellw
ood
Melro
se Pa
rk
Mayw
ood
Rive
rFo
rest
Oak
Park
Kedz
ie
Aurora Rout
e 59
La F
ox
Gene
va
Nape
rvill
e
Lisl
e
Belm
ont
Mai
n St
.(D
owne
rs G
rove
)
(Dow
ners
Gro
ve)
Fairv
iew
Ave.
West
mon
tCl
aren
don
Hills
West
Hin
sdal
eHi
nsda
leHi
ghla
nds
West
ern S
pring
sSt
one
Ave.
Cong
ress
Park
Broo
kfiel
dHo
llywo
odRi
vers
ide
Harle
m A
ve.
Berw
ynLa
Verg
ne
Cice
ro
WesternHals
ted
Joliet
Lockport
Lemont
Willow Springs
Summit55th-56th-57th St.
Laraway Road(New Lenox)
Washington St.(Grayslake)
New Lenox
Manhattan
Mokena-Front St.Hickory Creek
Tinley Park/80th Ave.
Tinley Park179th St.(Orland Park)
Oak Forest
MidlothianRobbins
Vermont St. (Blue Island)Prairie
123rd St.119th St.115th St.111th St.107th St.103rd St.
99th St.95th St.91st St.
Brainerd
153rd St.(Orland Park)
143rd St.(Orland Park)
Palos Park
Palos Heights
Worth
Chicago Ridge
OakLawn
AshburnWrightwood
University Park
Richton ParkMatteson
211th St. (Lincoln Hwy.)Olympia Fields
Flossmoor
HomewoodCalumet
Hazel Crest
147th St. (Sibley Blvd.)Harvey
144th St. (Ivanhoe)
137th St. (Riverdale)
To S.Bend
Van BurenMuseum Campus/11th St.18th St.McCormick Place
27th St.
47th St.35th St./
“Lou” Jones53rd St.
83rd87th
91st St.95th St.
103rd St.107th St.
111th St. (Pullman)115th St. (Kensington)
59th63rd
75th79th
Gresham
95th St.
WashingtonHghts.
Stony Island
Bryn Mawr
South Shore
Windsor Park
79th St.83rd St.
87th St.93rd St.
Blue
Islan
dBu
rr Oa
kAs
hland
Ave
.Ra
cine A
ve.
W. Pu
llman
Stew
art R
idge
Stat
e St.
UP-N
MD-NUP-NW
LAKEMICHIGAN
MD-W
UP-W
BNSF
HC
RI
SWS
LAKEMcHENRY
COOK
DU PAGE
ILLINOIS / WISCONSIN STATE LINE
ILLI
NOIS
/ IN
DIAN
A ST
ATE
LINE
ME
SS
N
WILL
KANE
O'Hare Transfer
ProspectHeights
Wheeling
Buffalo Grove
Prairie ViewVernon Hills
Mundelein
Prairie CrossingPrairie Crossing
Round Lake Beach
Lake Villa
Antioch NCS
La G
rang
e Rd
.
Hegewisch
Romeoville
Union Pacific NorthChicago (Ogilvie Transportation Center) to Kenosha
Union Pacific NorthwestChicago (Ogilvie Transportation Center) to Harvard
Union Pacific WestChicago (Ogilvie Transportation Center) to Elburn
Milwaukee District NorthChicago (Union Station) to Fox Lake
Milwaukee District WestChicago (Union Station) to Elgin/Big Timber
North Central ServiceChicago (Union Station) to Antioch
BNSF RailwayChicago (Union Station) to Aurora
Metra ElectricChicago (Millennium Station) to University Park
Heritage CorridorChicago (Union Station) to Joliet
SouthWest ServiceChicago (Union Station) to Manhattan
Rock IslandChicago (LaSalle Street Station) to Joliet
SYSTEM MAP
Five Collar Counties Suburban Cook County
Chicago Outside the Region
40%
41%
17%
2%
Caucasian
Hispanic/Latino
Black/African-American
73%
6% 7%
13%
METRA RIDERSHIP by RESIDENCE
METRA RIDERSHIP by ETHNICITY
RIDERSHIP
Asian/Asian-Pacific
* Source: 2016 Metra Origin Destination Survey
* Source: 2014 Metra Customer Satisfaction Survey
**NOTE: Percentages may not total 100 due to rounding.
Nearly 50 percent of all work trips from the suburbs to downtown Chicago are made on Metra.
About 90 percent of all Metra trips are made commuting to work.
6
Nearly 50 percent of all work trips from the suburbs to downtown Chicago are made on Metra.
About 90 percent of all Metra trips are made commuting to work.
million passenger trips in 2018
weekday trains
Saturday trains
Sunday trains
train stations
miles of track
route miles
locomotives
76.1
242
1,155
488
164
690
854
186
24
90,626
565
12
260
173
847
diesel railcars
electric railcars
bridges
grade crossings
rail yards
parking spaces
fuel facilities
7
BY the NUMBERS
BENEFITS
8
• Every $1 invested in public transportation generates approximately $4 in economic returns.
• One person with a 20-mile round-trip commute who switches from driving to public transit can reduce his or her carbon emissions by 20 pounds a day or more than 4,800 pounds a year.
• Public transportation provides personal mobility and freedom for everyone, including people with disabilities and older adults.
• A study found that compared to drivers, public transportation users were:° 44 percent less likely to be overweight;° 27 percent less likely to have high blood pressure; and° 34 percent less likely to have diabetes.
402
Riding Metra saves the average commuter more than six days of travel time every year (that’s 12 hours a month) and nearly $2,000 a year, or $166 a month, compared to driving. Twenty-seven additional expressway lanes would have to be added to the existing expressway network to accommodate Metra riders.
Source: American Public Transportation Association
DIVERSITYMetra is committed to workforce diversity and inclusion in the employment process.
METRA’S WORKFORCE* DBE CONTRACTING DIVERSITY*
38%
21%19%
22%21%
44%
32%
<1%
Non-Minority WomenCaucasian
Asian Black/African-American Asian/Asian-Pacific
From 2015 to 2018, Metra committed $131 million in contracts to Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) firms. During that time, the value of contracts awarded to DBE firms increased by 41 percent.
Other
Hispanic/Latino Hispanic/Latino
9
*Data through Dec. 31, 2018
Black/African-American
2%
MISSION, VISION and STRATEGIC GOALS
As part of a regional transportation network, Metra provides safe, reliable, efficient commuter rail service that enhances the economic and environmental health of northeast Illinois.MISSION
10
VISIONTo be a world-class commuter rail agency linking communities throughout the region by:
• Providing the safest, most efficient and reliable service to our customers
• Sustaining our infrastructure for future generations
• Leading the industry in achieving continuous improvement, innovation and transparency
• Facilitating economic vitality throughout northeast Illinois
STRATEGICGOALS
Prioritize safety and security awareness
Invest in workforce
Ensure financial stability
Deliver quality customer service
Optimize capital assets
11
HISTORYThe Commuter Rail Service Board, newly created by the Illinois Legislature, meets for the first time.
The Commuter Rail Service Board adopts the word “Metra” as a service mark.
The first locomotive painted with Metra’s blue and orange colors makes its debut. It is named after Kane County.
Metra buys the Illinois Central Gulf’s electric commuter line between Chicago and University Park, with the two branch lines to Blue Island and South Chicago, for $28 million. It is renamed the Metra Electric. The ICG’s Joliet-to-Chicago route, part of the deal, is renamed the Heritage Corridor.
Metra completes the acquisition of the two Milwaukee lines from the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul. The lines had been operated by the RTA and then Metra since 1982.
Service begins at the new Route 59 Station on the BNSF Line. That station is now by far Metra’s busiest.
Amtrak shows off the $32 million renovation of Chicago Union Station.
Metra completes the $75 million renovation of the Rock Island Line’s LaSalle Street Station.
Metra announces that it will assume control of the commuter operations on the Norfolk Southern tracks and rename the line the SouthWest Service.
The SouthWest Service is extended from 153rd Street to 179th Street.
Union Pacific Railroad completes the purchase of the Chicago & North Western and assumes control of its three commuter lines in Chicago.
Metra launches the North Central Service, the first new commuter route in Chicago in more than 70 years.
A year after completing a major $141 million rehab of the Union Pacific terminal, the facility is renamed the Ogilvie Transportation Center after the former Illinois governor.
June 8, 1984:
July 12, 1985:
Aug. 1, 1985:
May 1, 1987:
Sept. 3, 1987:
July 16, 1989:
Oct. 24, 1991:
April 1992:
May 28, 1993:
December 1994: April 1995:
Aug. 18, 1996:
Oct. 15, 1997:
12
HISTORYMetra approves a $400 million order to buy 300 cars from Nippon Sharyo, the largest procurement of railcars in Metra history.
Metra approves a $79.4 million order for 27 new MP36-3S locomotives from Motive Power Industries.
Metra shows off a rehabbed Millennium Station.
Metra opens an extension of the UP West Line to La Fox and Elburn. A week later, Metra opens four new stations and expands service on the North Central Service Line. On the same day, it expands service on the SouthWest Service Line and opens an extension to Manhattan.
Metra provides a record 86.8 million passenger trips in 2008. It remains Metra’s record year.
MetraMarket opens at the Ogilvie Transportation Center.
Metra approves a $585 million order to buy 160 new Highliner cars for the Metra Electric Line from Nippon Sharyo. Nippon Sharyo builds a factory in Rochelle, Ill., to build the cars.
Metra celebrates the opening of the $142 million Englewood flyover, a major railroad bridge that eliminated a significant source of train delays on the South Side of Chicago.
Metra, CTA and Pace launch the new Ventra App, which allows Metra riders to buy and display Metra mobile tickets with their smartphones using a credit or debit card or Ventra account.
Metra receives the final two cars of its 160-car order for the Metra Electric Line, completing a 2010 purchase to outfit the line with a completely new and modern fleet.
The BNSF Line to Aurora starts operating revenue service trains with Positive Train Control (PTC), making it the first of Metra’s 11 lines to fully implement the new federally mandated safety system. The rest of the system is expected to have PTC implemented by the end of 2020.
Dec. 13, 2000:
Jan. 12, 2001:
Dec. 5, 2004:
Jan. 23, 2006:
December 2008:
Dec. 3, 2009:
August 2010:
Oct. 23, 2014:
Nov. 19, 2015:
Aug. 25, 2016:
June 2018:
13
ROMAYNE C. BROWNVICE CHAIRMAN
JOHN PLANTETREASURER
RODNEY S. CRAIGSECRETARY
CORY L. THAMESDIRECTOR
STEVEN K. MESSERLIDIRECTOR
JOHN P. ZEDIKERDIRECTOR
DON A. DE GRAFFDIRECTOR
KEN KOEHLERDIRECTOR
STEPHEN PALMERDIRECTOR
TIM BALDERMANNDIRECTOR
METRA BOARD of DIRECTORS
14
NORMAN CARLSONCHAIRMAN
$3644163.1
37.61.5
$822.2
OPERATING BUDGET and CAPITAL PROGRAMFor 2019, Metra’s total budget is $1.1 billion, with $822.2 million for operations and $316.3 million for capital. Metra covers nearly half of its operating budget with fare and other system-generated revenue, with the rest primarily coming from a
regional transportation sales tax and a partial state match. For its capital budget, Metra relies on federal, state and local funding (including bond programs), and some fare revenue.
$364
$1.5
$416
$3.1
2019 FUNDING SOURCES
Federal Formula FundingFederal CRISI PTC Discretionary GrantIllinois Department of Transportation BondsCook County Motor Fuel Tax FundsIllinois EPA VW Settlement FundsRTA Innovation, Coordination and EnhancementRTA Capital Bond Funds (prior year) Metra 2019 Farebox RevenuesMetra Retained EarningsRTA ICE (prior years)Metra Farebox Capital (prior year)TOTAL
$173.6
2019 OPERATING FUNDS 2019 CAPITAL FUNDS*
($ MILLIONS)($ MILLIONS)
Fare RevenueSales TaxesReduced Fare Subsidy Capital Credits, Leases, etc.Transportation Security Grant TOTAL
$173.62
35.09
145
427
22.5.9
14.2$316.3
$37.6
*As of April 17, 2019
$35
$22.5
$14.2
$42
$7 $5 $2 $.9
$14
$.09
Nearly 50 percent of Metra’s operating costs are funded by fares and other system-generated revenue.
Nearly 50 percent of Metra’s operating costs are funded by fares and other system-generated revenue.
15****Amounts may not total due to rounding.
2019 OPERATING BUDGET 2019 CAPITAL BUDGET*
$126.8
$59
$49.1
$38.1
$34.5
($ MILLIONS) ($ MILLIONS)
$283.8
$157.3
$190.4
$15.6
$107.1
$62.5
$5.5
TransportationEngineeringMechanicalAdministrationDiesel fuelMetra Electric electricityClaims and insuranceTOTAL
Rolling stockPTC, communications technology, signals and systemsTrack, bridges and other infrastructureRail yards, facilities and equipment Train stations and parkingOther capital support activitiesTOTAL
2019 FUNDING USES
$283.8157.3190.4107.162.5
5.5 15.6
$822.2
$126.8 38.1
5934.549.18.8
$316.3
$8.8
*As of April 17, 2019
16
The Illinois Legislature this year approved the first new statewide infrastructure program since 2009, and Metra expects its share of funding from the program to total about $1.5 billion over the next six years. Metra is particularly pleased that the funding includes an annual, stable and sustainable allotment of capital funding as well as a significant additional amount from a bond program. We will use this new funding to begin to tackle our biggest capital priorities, including locomotives, railcars, stations and bridges. We also will be looking to invest in projects that could help us grow our ridership. While Metra still could use additional capital funding, we are grateful for Springfield’s assistance and its recognition of the important role that transit plays in the Illinois economy and environment.
17
ADDRESSING METRA’S CAPITAL NEEDS
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
0.0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
HOW WE COMPARE to OTHER RAILROADS
PEERAVERAGE
$0.53
OPERATING COST PER PASSENGER MILE
$0.45 $0.47 $0.47 $0.54 $0.57 $0.63
AVERAGE AGE OF FLEET (YEARS)
PEERAVERAGE
20.5
15.7 15.7 18.6 23.1 25.0 29.3
18
Metra Metro-North Railroad
New Jersey Transit
Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority
Long Island Rail Road
Southeastern Pennsylvania
Transit Authority
Long Island Rail Road
Metro-North Railroad
New Jersey Transit
Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority
Metra Southeastern Pennsylvania
Transit Authority
* 2017 National Transit Database * 2017 National Transit Database
Metra Fare CPI Adjusted Metra Fare Average Peer Fare
METRA ON-TIME PERFORMANCE vs. PEERS
METRA vs. PEER AGENCY PEAK ONE-WAY FARES*
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
2018 Q4
Dec 2018
Nov 2018
Oct 2018
MONTH
METRA ONE-WAY FARES* vs. CPI and PEERS
* Zone E Average
Metra ** Long Island Metro-North2018 Rail Road RailroadNew Jersey Southeastern Massachusetts Transit Pennsylvania Bay Transit Transit Authority Authority
* All 2018; values are not adjusted for cost of living and do not include discounted off-peak or intermediate fares offered by peers but not Metra.** Metra Zones K-M consolidated into Zone J under Fare Pilot Program, effective July 15, 2018.
1983
1986
1989
1992
1995
1998
2001
2004
2007
2010
2013
2016
$11.00
$10.00
$9.00
$8.00
$7.00
$6.00
$5.00
$4.00
$3.00
$2.00
$24
$22
$20
$18
$16
$14
$12
$10
$8
$6
$4
$2
$0A B C D E F G H I J K L M
Zone
Metra Long Island Metro-North Rail Road Railroad
New JerseyTransit
SoutheasternPennsylvaniaTransit Authority
Average Peer Fare includes MBTA (Boston), LIRR & Metro-North Railroad (New York), New Jersey Transit (New Jersey), and SEPTA (Philadelphia), CPI data U.S. Burea of Labor Statistics. Data not available for all peers in all years. Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Peer Fares collected from June of each year.
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