http://www.thechicagometratrain.com/forums/ a forum for Metra riders and commuters en Thu, 09 Sep 2010 11:54:56 +0000 http://www.thechicagometratrain.com/forums/topic.php?id=19#post-28 Tue, 31 Aug 2010 22:00:17 +0000 NitiVaish 28@http://www.thechicagometratrain.com/forums/ <p>Not only has Metra reduced the service on the North line, the trains are never on time, specially the train that is supposed to reach Wilmette a 7:17 in the morning. </p> <p>Is bad enough that the train is never on time, the conductor on the train is rude. </p> <p>Metra - take action otherwise you will begin to loose passengers. </p> http://www.thechicagometratrain.com/forums/topic.php?id=18#post-27 Tue, 17 Aug 2010 01:08:11 +0000 amhdomain 27@http://www.thechicagometratrain.com/forums/ <p>Hello everyone,</p> <p>I have been riding Metra for four years. My daily commute is three hours and twenty minutes. The times I’ve spent on the trains have been very enjoyable.</p> <p>Today; however, I boarded the 6:41 “Blue Island” Electric Line train departing from Millennium Station. After boarding, I worked my way back to the fourth car and was seated. The car’s main floor was empty with a couple of people in the loft. About thirty seconds later I was approached by a metra employee who had told me that the car I was seated in was reserved for employees only. </p> <p>When riding the Metra Diesel Northwest Line, I was prevented from entering a reserved car by a locked door and a curtain on the door’s window. Are the cars on the Electric Line so outdated that the doors can’t be locked?</p> <p>Thank you for any comments you may have,</p> <p>amhdomain </p> http://www.thechicagometratrain.com/forums/topic.php?id=17#post-26 Sat, 07 Aug 2010 15:50:38 +0000 lsrandall 26@http://www.thechicagometratrain.com/forums/ <p>Big issues after lollapalooza. Too many people, not enough trains and very poor crowd organization. The 11:35 north line train was sitting, ready to board as the crowd built to over 200. By the tim conductors let people on the crowd was anxious and people were pushing, leading to anger. There was a real chance it could have developed into a stampead or a fight could have broken out. Please let people on he train tonight as the arrive. Also, people were let onto he platform and then kicked off the train because there was not enough room. Our group got separated by this, leaving one member to have to take the later train. This was particular disturbing because our group was at the boarding area 45 minutes early and trying not to participate in the shoving. Please don't let his happen again. Brun another train if you ahve to to accommodate the after lollapalosa crowd between 10:30 an 12:00. </p> http://www.thechicagometratrain.com/forums/topic.php?id=11#post-25 Thu, 05 Aug 2010 01:21:11 +0000 cam14395 25@http://www.thechicagometratrain.com/forums/ <p>There is one on the Electric Line who calls the train 'his' train and acts like he's doing the passengers a favor by letting them ride it. A real jerk. </p> http://www.thechicagometratrain.com/forums/topic.php?id=16#post-24 Tue, 20 Jul 2010 16:04:30 +0000 Metra Man 24@http://www.thechicagometratrain.com/forums/ <p>It would appear that way. </p> <p>I have a family member that is handicapped who was taking the Metra from Downers Grove to downtown Chicago. We consulted the Metra employee at the station who told us to "go to the first car". That car displayed a handicapped access placard. When we attempted to board using the lift we were told that the last car was reserved for the disabled and we needed to go there. As we wheeled towards the end of the train (a rush hour one) we passed a number of half empty cars with the handicapped sign and lift. Finally a conductor from the end of the train came and met us halfway to the back of the very long train. She then let us board a middle car but insisted on scolding us about using the designated car at the end. She said the middle cards with lifts were reserved for bikes! Like a biker couldn't ride to the end???</p> <p>Nowhere in the train station does it say to use the end car. Lets not forget we were instructed to use the first car by the employee at the station. The conductor pointed towards a small sign at the end of the station that apparently indicated the last car was the handicapped car. I couldn't read it even half way there but she let us know that we were violating procedure.</p> <p>Now the question that needs to be asked; If the last car is the designated car for the disabled and handicapped...why is the handicapped parking all the way back at the station? And why is Metra making disabled people travel the longest distance possible to both board and to exit the train station? </p> <p>Is someone's tin foil hat a bit too tight at Metra?</p> <p>Things that make you want to go hmmmmm.... </p> http://www.thechicagometratrain.com/forums/topic.php?id=15#post-23 Sun, 11 Jul 2010 04:24:40 +0000 alex 23@http://www.thechicagometratrain.com/forums/ <p>The weekend afternoon train was filled with screaming teens in the aisles with no conductor present. The attitude is usually "too bad" -just accept it and keep quiet,there's nothing anybody can do about it. This packing of people is a public safety hazard and should be illegal. </p> http://www.thechicagometratrain.com/forums/topic.php?id=14#post-22 Wed, 30 Jun 2010 05:37:13 +0000 BNSF Naperville 22@http://www.thechicagometratrain.com/forums/ <p>I ride the BNSF every day to and from Naperville. When the train stops in Naperville, the first 6 cars are usually packed with people in the aisles. Once you get on the train, you have to push past all the passengers who are standing. In the meantime, the train has departed and is rocking back and forth at full-speed. It is dangerous getting to the back of the train to find a seat. More troublesome is the number of people who are standing in the aisles blocking the way for the conductors, from not only collecting fares, but from taking care of other responsibilities they have on the train. And if an accident were to happen, you would have all these people standing in aisles who have nothing to hold on to. It is a disaster waiting to happen.</p> <p>Today, after enduring this situation for 6 months, I said something to the conductor. She did nothing more than shrug. This is unacceptable. I doubt Metra is collecting every fare on the BNSF with all the people blocking the aisles. And there are seats in the last few cars so if people are standing, they need to be told to get a seat or get off. I can't believe this is going on when it is so dangerous. </p> http://www.thechicagometratrain.com/forums/topic.php?id=13#post-21 Fri, 14 May 2010 16:10:55 +0000 gordon 21@http://www.thechicagometratrain.com/forums/ <p>5/14/10<br /> The Elburn to Ogilvie train that is supposed to arrive at 8:53 let us off the at 8:59. </p> http://www.thechicagometratrain.com/forums/topic.php?id=13#post-20 Fri, 14 May 2010 16:07:29 +0000 gordon 20@http://www.thechicagometratrain.com/forums/ <p>I remember when train companies took pride in being on time. Appearantly those days have passed for Metra, because the weekday Elburn train is never in Chicago by 8:53am. Never.<br /> If the train is really going to arrive at 9:00am everyday, they should change the schedule. I'm going to use this forum to keep a log of when the train actually arrives downtown in the mornings. </p> http://www.thechicagometratrain.com/forums/topic.php?id=12#post-19 Sun, 02 May 2010 01:32:34 +0000 Admin 19@http://www.thechicagometratrain.com/forums/ <p>Do people generally think this is an issue? Should people not even try to talk on the phone or should there be an etiquette for doing so? </p> http://www.thechicagometratrain.com/forums/topic.php?id=11#post-18 Sun, 02 May 2010 01:31:04 +0000 Admin 18@http://www.thechicagometratrain.com/forums/ <p>I've had conductors that a really nice and get to know regular riders personally, and others that just seem to be in a bad mood / rude all the time. It really depends on the individual. </p> http://www.thechicagometratrain.com/forums/topic.php?id=11#post-17 Wed, 28 Apr 2010 21:23:30 +0000 Ms.Piff 17@http://www.thechicagometratrain.com/forums/ <p>Anyone? Ours is really arrogant. </p> http://www.thechicagometratrain.com/forums/topic.php?id=10#post-16 Tue, 08 Dec 2009 02:25:02 +0000 jimwearne 16@http://www.thechicagometratrain.com/forums/ <p>Hello-<br /> I am writing to complain about a situation I encountered on Metra this evening, 12/7/2009.<br /> I boarded the 5:28 at Union Station, intending to get off at Belmont. I sat in the rear car as it would be nearest where I parked at the Belmont station. I sat in a window seat on the lower level.<br /> The train stopped at Main Street. As it pulled away, people began to line up in the aisle to get off, I presumed, at Belmont, the next stop. When the line backed up to where I was sitting (about 12 people from the vestibule door) I asked my seatmate to let me out, and I joined the line.<br /> The train stopped at Belmont. No-one moved. I assumed that perhaps there was a problem with the doors, as there had been an electrical problem a few minutes earlier that had caused a short delay. The next thing I knew, the announcement came that the doors would be closing in 20 seconds. I still thought the there must be some problem, as the line hadn't moved and I was still 12 people away from the vestibule door. Imagine my feelings when the train started moving, and the announcement came that the next stop would be Lisle. I had missed my stop because people,wanting to exit at Lisle, had jammed the aisle. As I exited the train at Lisle, I mentioned what had happened to the conductor, whose response was to shout at me that the doors had opened at Belmont and that people had gotten off. How he thought that would be helpful, I don't know.<br /> I had no alternative but to walk back to the Belmont station, where I had parked. 3 miles away. In the snow. In the dark. In danger from heavy traffic.<br /> I realize that nothing can be done at this point to rectify my situation, but I have a suggestion that may help to make sure that such a thing doesn't happen again.<br /> As the train approaches a station, a recorded voice announces that the next station will be "X." I suggest adding to that recording words like: "If X is not your stop, please keep your seats and do not block the aisles, so that passengers wanting to get off at X can exit the train. Please do not enter the aisles or vestibule until your station is the next stop."<br /> Conductors can also make such an announcement over the PA system, and, when the train is at a station and there seems to be a backup in the aisles, they can ask, so that all can hear, if there is anyone wishing to exit at that station who has not been able to do so because of the backup.<br /> These things seem only common sense and common courtesy.</p> <p>Jim Wearne </p> http://www.thechicagometratrain.com/forums/topic.php?id=9#post-15 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:25:52 +0000 Loyal Rider 15@http://www.thechicagometratrain.com/forums/ <br /> http://www.thechicagometratrain.com/forums/topic.php?id=8#post-14 Tue, 22 Sep 2009 21:12:45 +0000 enmartin 14@http://www.thechicagometratrain.com/forums/ <p>I lost my silver Ipod (Classic) in a black and white plastic case the week of Sept 14th. I ride the Milwaukee District North metra line which when it gets in, goes straight out to Elgin.</p> <p>If you have found it, I would be greatful. I will also offer a $50 reward.</p> <p><a href="mailto:eric.martinek@fmr.com">eric.martinek@fmr.com</a><br /> 773-517-9484 </p> http://www.thechicagometratrain.com/forums/topic.php?id=7#post-13 Sun, 16 Aug 2009 06:18:47 +0000 bunburryist 13@http://www.thechicagometratrain.com/forums/ <p>Tonight (August 15, 2009) my son and some friends were on their way home from the Beethoven concert at Millenium Park. At Ogilvie station they went to board the 10:30 train for Crystal Lake. As my son started to get on the first or second car (he doesn't remember which exactly) he was stopped by what he described as "a tallish, thin black woman wearing a security shirt" who accosted him, yelling "Who told you to open that door!" as he was getting in the car. The door was unlocked and the lights were on. She escorted him out of the loading area and told him he would not be allowed to take a train out of Olgivie Station. She did not identify herself (although I'm sure Metra can identify her based on the train and the time), did not tell him what he did wrong, and when his friends tried to ask her what he did she wouldn't answer them. What he could have done before he was even in the car that would warrant such behavior I can't imagine. Fortunately, he had the good sense to take a taxi to the next stop (Clybourn) and get on there. This makes one wonder what caliber of people Metra is hiring to deal with the public. We are all very surprised as we have, overall, had very positive experiences on Metra. My son and his friends have gone downtown a number of times and this is the first time anything like this has happened. I would like Metra to find out who this was, find out why she ejected my son from the train, and give me a phone number I can call to find out more about this incident. </p> http://www.thechicagometratrain.com/forums/topic.php?id=6#post-12 Fri, 29 May 2009 14:55:32 +0000 Dietlinde Sawukaytis 12@http://www.thechicagometratrain.com/forums/ <p>Unless I registered, I could not easily find the subject Lost and Found. It should be more prominent on the web page. </p> http://www.thechicagometratrain.com/forums/topic.php?id=5#post-11 Thu, 21 May 2009 01:43:13 +0000 Admin 11@http://www.thechicagometratrain.com/forums/ <p>@lil6er:</p> <p>I can understand your frustration, since I hear a lot of complaints from users of <a href="http://www.thechicagometratrain.com" rel="nofollow">www.thechicagometratrain.com</a> about episodes with Metra personnel and conductors. I agree in general Metra can improve their communication with riders.</p> <p>I always tell people that if they have a problem, go directly to the conductor (or another one that you feel comfortable talking to) and let them know how you feel in a positive, constructive way.</p> <p>The more constructive feedback we give them, the more likely they are to see that people care about the service and hope to see it improve in all respects. </p> http://www.thechicagometratrain.com/forums/topic.php?id=2#post-10 Wed, 13 May 2009 14:29:49 +0000 lil6er 10@http://www.thechicagometratrain.com/forums/ <p>I've seen many mean conductors as well.<br /> One during the holidays pushed a guy off the train while he was at least halfway on the train.<br /> My husband also got yelled at because he happened to get on the wrong train. (those little tv screens above you on the way in are so "clear" as you know)<br /> So he didn't have cash on him, although he had his monthly pass to prove he was just mistaken. Thank god someone nice to him paid.</p> <p>This morning the train was on the OTHER side of the track, 2 mins early, and didn't wait for about 30 people to try to switch over.</p> <p>the metra is ghetto, I'm back to taking the CTA.<br /> I'm sorry for all you far suburb people who have no choice. </p> http://www.thechicagometratrain.com/forums/topic.php?id=5#post-9 Wed, 13 May 2009 14:26:00 +0000 lil6er 9@http://www.thechicagometratrain.com/forums/ <p>This is what I wrote to their so called "email", which i'm sure they never check.</p> <p>I've also seen a conductor push someone off the train.<br /> They also don't have a forum, ghetto website, horrible communication, take the CTA.<br /> --------</p> <p>Metra,<br /> I was on the track on time in Oak Park, and the train arrived on a different track. It was 2 minutes early.<br /> About 30 people tried to scramble to the other track, and the metra train left them!!</p> <p>What is your excuse for this?</p> <p>I was told I could not get my money back because I didn't have a one way ticket.<br /> I am a dedicated Metra rider, but unfortunately not anymore. Why should I have to pay for a monthly metra ticket that doesn't really do it's job, (picking up people), and on top of that pay for a CTA card that works as back up because of the metra's mistakes!?</p> <p>You have lack of communication and appreciation for the people who actually pay you so you can even have conductors to check tickets.<br /> It's sad that you can't even keep up with the CTA which is up with their technology and their manners of the conductors, who have the decency to wait for their riders.<br /> Someone had to even make their own metra twitter page for updates, before you could even get to it.<br /> Pathetic. </p> http://www.thechicagometratrain.com/forums/topic.php?id=4#post-8 Mon, 06 Apr 2009 02:57:41 +0000 Admin 8@http://www.thechicagometratrain.com/forums/ <p>Any thoughts on whether Metra is capable of handling the traffic increase with the Olympics? Does anyone know if there are plans for Metra to help accommodate the Olympics?</p> <p>My opinion is that many more trains would be needed, increased frequency, etc. </p> http://www.thechicagometratrain.com/forums/topic.php?id=1#post-7 Mon, 06 Apr 2009 02:47:52 +0000 Admin 7@http://www.thechicagometratrain.com/forums/ <p>That would be great to have more people commenting and airing concerns and making suggestions about Metra on this site.</p> <p>One way to do that is to send links of any interesting topics and posts you find on this site to your friends and family. Encourage them to share what they know with others.</p> <p>The more quality discussions we have, the louder the voice of this forum will become, and we will show everybody how much the people of the Chicago area care to have a world-class transport system we can be proud to say is ours. </p> http://www.thechicagometratrain.com/forums/topic.php?id=1#post-6 Tue, 24 Mar 2009 15:54:55 +0000 noremorseguy 6@http://www.thechicagometratrain.com/forums/ <p>We need to get this site info out to the thousands of Metra Riders so that the site gets more hits! All train riders have gripes/complaints/comments that would benefit others... </p> http://www.thechicagometratrain.com/forums/topic.php?id=3#post-5 Wed, 28 Jan 2009 16:15:50 +0000 Admin 5@http://www.thechicagometratrain.com/forums/ <p>I've heard it mentioned on announcements as a way to guard against lost items and tickets, but it warrants repeating here.</p> <p>The best way to recover lost stuff on Metra is to label important things with your name and information. Most frequently lost is hats, gloves and monthly and ten ride tickets. The tickets even have a place to write your information on the back of them. Most Metra riders and train conductors are nice enough to do the right thing and contact the person when they have the right information on the item.</p> <p>Hope this helps avoid some frustrating losses on the train. </p> http://www.thechicagometratrain.com/forums/topic.php?id=2#post-4 Wed, 28 Jan 2009 16:11:50 +0000 Admin 4@http://www.thechicagometratrain.com/forums/ <p>RChicago, I totally sympathize with your situation. Commuters pay a good deal of money for those monthly tickets and there should be a standard level of decency and respect. I have to say most ticket agents are kind and friendly people, but occasionally there will be some Metra workers who just seem to have woken up on the wrong side of the bed. </p> <p>I'm wondering, is there anything we could do to make their jobs better?</p> <p>One thing I've considered is that they probably hate being asked to repeat announcements (even though their job is in customer service). I've often wished there was a more effective announcement system with clearer audio, easier to understand explanations, and clear and accurate expectations for time delays so that Metra riders aren't as confused or left in the dark when changes do occur.</p> <p>Obviously Metra could solve the problem by installing detailed, easy-to-read signs with up to date information, but that's for them to implement, not us. For our part, I've thought about setting up Twitter accounts that can help spread the word when changes in service do occur. Sort of like a riders helping riders communicate method.</p> <p>Do you think this would help? Feel free to contribute any other ideas ... </p> http://www.thechicagometratrain.com/forums/topic.php?id=2#post-3 Fri, 23 Jan 2009 18:05:53 +0000 RChicago 3@http://www.thechicagometratrain.com/forums/ <p>The ticket agent (Dorine) at the Arlinton Heights Metra Station was rude, unhelpful, and angry for no reason. There were delays and I could not hear the announcement. When I politely asked what was said I was treated as if I were a bother or annoyance. When I asked why I was being treated this way, she got angry and told me that I was giving her attitude.</p> <p>Another passenger standing nearby was nice enough to answer my question, and as I walked away stunned at the whole encounter... other passengers standing nearby and witness to the events, said "She is always terrible" and "She is always that way"(meaning this ticket agent, Dorine).</p> <p>As a loyal, weekday commuter (monthly pass at $116/MONTH) I am appalled at the way I was treated and apparently not the only one who has had such an experience. </p> http://www.thechicagometratrain.com/forums/topic.php?id=1#post-2 Mon, 08 Dec 2008 06:24:50 +0000 Admin 2@http://www.thechicagometratrain.com/forums/ <p>Moving over to this forum format from the Google groups format. Let us know if there's a difference and if you find this more useful. </p>