Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Why doesn’t Metra have wireless internet on its trains yet? Mostly because it would be enormously expensive and a technological challenge, too. But should they?
By Darren McRoy Should Metra get Wi-Fi? Even if it’s expensive and hard to implement and maintain? The commuter-rail network is considering the possibility, the Chicago Tribune and other news agencies report, but price and technology continue to be two major barriers, despite that a DePaul University report shows 48 percent of Metra riders use personal electronic devices during their commutes. According to the paper, it could cost over $70 million to install wireless internet on all 11 Metra lines over five years—though some of that could perhaps be recouped by paid plans or sponsorships—and there’s a fear that the technology might quickly become obsolete or go unused by customers who prefer other connectivity, like smart-phone hotspots …
Friday, February 22, 2013
Metra riders will have to adjust some of their habits, as construction gets underway on Oak Forest's Metra station at 159th and Cicero. Work begins Feb. 25 and is expected to last six months.
Oak Forest commuters, be ready for some changes starting Monday morning. Platform #1 cannot be used during construction, and pedestrians should use the center pedestrian walk located south of 158th, near the station. The two crossings east of the station will be out of service. Parking at the station became a bit trickier in November, as the main lot was shut down. Handicapped spaces were consolidated to the west side of the current station, with a new accessibility ramp near the west stairs. Daily handicapped parking payment can be made at the payment box near the parking area. For all other daily commuters, parking is being moved to lots on Oak Street, 157th Street and Waverly Avenue. The new $3.4 million Metra station was expected to …
Monday, November 26, 2012
Construction on the new Oak Forest Metra Station is going to cause parking at the current Metra Station to change drastically starting Nov. 26. The main lot will be mostly closed, with parking moved to three adjacent lots.
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Construction on the new Oak Forest Metra Station is going to cause parking at the current Metra Station to change drastically on Monday, Nov. 26. The main lot will be mostly closed, with parking moved to three adjacent lots.
Parking at the Metra station on 159th Street in Oak Forest will be a bit trickier starting Nov. 26, as the main lot is shut down due to the construction of the new Metra station at the location. The new station, which broke ground on Oct. 25, is expected to be completed in the Spring of 2013. In the meantime, commuters who take the train are going to have to deal with parking in new spots in three adjacent lots to the station. Handicapped commuters will have spaces consolidated to the west side of the current station, with a new accessibility ramp near the west stairs. Daily handicapped parking payment can be made at the payment box near the parking area. For all other daily commuters, parking is being moved to lots on Oak Street, 157th …
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Metra's board voted to drop the discount on its 10-ride ticket. Now it costs the same as 10 individual fares, instead of nine. Tell us what you think of the decision. Plus, Patch breaks down the numbers surrounding the increase.
If there's one thing you can say about the increase in Metra's 10-ride ticket, it's that you get what you pay for. The Metra board of directors voted 8-2 on Friday, Nov. 16, to make the 10-ride ticket cost as much as 10 individual tickets, ABC 7 News reports. Currently, the price of the 10-ride ticket is equal to nine individual tickets. READ: Check Out the Full ABC 7 News Story for More Details The increase goes into effect Feb. 1. Because no one demanded it, Patch breaks down the numbers surrounding the 10-ride fare hike. Metra fares are dependent on distance. Here's how much that 10th ticket will cost for a commuter to travel from his or her home station to downtown Chicago. What are other commuters paying to make it to work? Here's a …
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Oak Forest officials will break ground at the site of the new Oak Forest Metra Station on Thursday, Oct. 25. The station is scheduled to be completed by the spring of 2013.
The City of Oak Forest is set to break ground on a long-anticipated, brand new Metra station on Thursday, Oct. 25. The new station will be located in nearly the same spot as the current Oak Forest Metra Station, 4850 W. 159th Street, although it will offer substantially more to commuters upon its completion. “The kiss-and-ride area, where there is a looped drive, that is where the new train station will be,” said Oak Forest Community Development Director Adam Dotson. The new station will feature a warming shelter, bike parking and lockers, bathroom facilities, and indoor and outdoor seating areas for commuters. Construction costs for the new station will total more than $3 million, with the city footing $1.07 million of the bill. The …
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Metra will host a public meeting to represent South Suburban Cook County at the Homewood Village Hall on July 19. Bring your thoughts and gripes.
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Tuesday, July 17, 2012
For commuters with complaints about the Southland Metra stations, the day of reckoning is near. Are you a Oak Forest rider and have something to say about your ride? The time has come to let your voice be heard. Metra will lend an ear to the public Thursday, July 19, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., during a South Suburban Cook County strategic plan open house meeting at Homewood Village Hall. Those who would like to participate, but don't wish to attend the meeting are invited to fill out a survey on Metra's website.
Friday, May 18, 2012
Metra commuters are looking at a different experience, between station closures and airport-style security restrictions. Use the convenient resources of Patch to plan your commute during NATO week, especially through the summit.
Oak Forest residents who take the train or drive to work in downtown Chicago should be prepared for delays while world leaders convene for the 2012 NATO summit at McCormick Place from May 20 to May 21. For the first time the North Atlantic Treaty Organization will be holding a summit in an American city other than Washington, D.C. In addition to global leaders, over 2,000 journalists and countless demonstrators and activists are expected to inundate the Chicago region. Use the convenience resources of Patch to monitor traffic on the roadways and find the best prices for gas. We'll also post the latest traffic, train or bus delays on the Patch Facebook page, and we invite our readers to do the same. Like Oak Forest Patch on Facebook and …
Metra riders are prohibited from bringing coffee and will face other restrictions on what they can carry on trains during the NATO summit. Breast milk, however, is OK.
While Chicago gears up for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization summit at McCormick Place, Metra has stepped up security throughout its rail system, including the Southwest Service and Rock Island lines. From May 19 through May 21, riders will face security screenings and restrictions on what they can carry on to trains while global leaders are in town for the NATO summit, Metra announced Monday. Sign up to receive Patch breaking news alerts. You may also want to ditch the latte. Riders will be prohibited from carrying food or beverages on the train, including coffee. However, breast milk can be carried on a train but is subject to inspection and should be declared if you’re being screened. Riders may also see increased police presence …
Saturday, May 5, 2012
The new Metra station in Oak Forest is expected to break ground in July. Features will include a warming shelter, restrooms, indoor and outdoor seated waiting areas and a geothermal heating system.
SHUSSBAR
10:55 am on Friday, May 17, 2013
from Homewood to downtown, my smartphone works at least on 90 % on the ride. I have also use connected to my laptop to connect it to the web. Bit slow but not bad. So Wifi on board for what? for who? what kind of use? Using laptops onboard is tough, not enough space when seated. I am not convince with that idea. more ›