Press release from Metra:
Metra will add service on the Metra Electric Line on May 18 in order to complete implementation of the Positive Train Control (PTC) safety system on that line and throughout the Metra system, which it is federally mandated to do by the end of this year. The new schedule, which can be viewed at metrarail.com, will represent about 74 percent of the normal weekday service.
The change is not being made in response to increased ridership – the line recently has been carrying about 6 percent of its normal riders during the COVID-19 crisis. Rather, running the fuller schedule will enable Metra to carry out all the steps needed to complete PTC implementation on the line, including testing all the equipment under normal operating conditions, troubleshooting any issues, and training engineers and other personnel.
Metra last month unveiled a new Metra Electric Line schedule that was made necessary by the demands of PTC – initializing the system before each train run takes time, and that time must be added to the timetable. The intention is to use that new schedule when the line is restored to full service following the coronavirus crisis. Read more.