Union Pacific is progressing with the transfer of commuter rail services to Metra for the Union Pacific North, Northwest, and West Lines in the Chicago metropolitan area.

The transition is aimed at ensuring a seamless handover while maintaining service continuity for passengers.

Metra’s commuter rail service in the Chicago metropolitan area

Several aspects of the transition have already been completed. Mechanical and station agent services, as well as certain management functions, are now under Metra’s control. The transfer of Train Operation services is scheduled for mid-April, followed by the transition of select Engineering services.

Liisa Stark, vice president of Public Affairs at Union Pacific said:

We are proud of the work Metra and Union Pacific have accomplished to progress the transfer of services. We are committed to reaching a financial agreement this year that is fair to both parties.

Discussions regarding financial arrangements for Metra’s use of Union Pacific infrastructure remain ongoing. In August 2024, both parties agreed to mediation before the Surface Transportation Board to determine compensation terms. However, the mediation process, which saw multiple extensions, concluded on 31 January 2025, without an agreement. Union Pacific has proposed binding arbitration as a means to resolve the issue.

Union Pacific will continue to oversee track maintenance and train movement management on the three lines as the transition process continues.

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