Population and business growth throughout Chicagoland's six county region points to the ever-increasing demand for commuter rail service. Poised and committed to meet these demands Metra strengthened our region's rail service by implementing three "New Start" projects in January 2006.

The inaugural runs on these New Start projects brought to fruition plans that were made possible in November 2001, when Congress awarded Metra three full funding grant agreements to increase service on the North Central Service, extend service deeper into Kane County on the Union Pacific West Line, and increase and expand service on the Southwest Service.

 

Other elements of the New Start projects include locomotives, station parking improvements, and track and signal upgrades. Facilities include additional stations and new and expanded rail yards. These enhancements are part of Metra's commitment to provide safe, reliable and affordable commuter rail service. Now more than ever, the region needs a transportation network that links the city with its surrounding suburbs, and suburbs to each other, and Metra stands ready to meet the accelerating demand for this service.