Metra Reduces Weekly Service, Lets Medical Personnel Ride Free

ACROSS ILLINOIS — Metra has announced temporary reductions in its weekly service amid the current coronavirus shutdown. Meanwhile, Metra is letting doctors, nurses and other medical personnel ride free with a work ID during Governor J.B. Pritzker's stay-at-home order.

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Reduced Service

The reduced service comes as coronavirus fears continue and fewer riders are taking the Metra due to cancellations and closures. At press time, the change, which went into effect Monday, does not affect the weekend Metra schedule.

In a post on its website, Metra officials said weekly services were cut back "to adjust for the reduced number of riders due to school closures, work-from-home mandates and other consequences of the coronavirus pandemic." They added that they are trying to maintain the same number of train cars when possible to allow for riders to practice social distancing.

Commuters can click the link to view Metra's updated service schedule.

Metra officials say they are keeping an eye on ridership and may opt to cut back service even more if necessary. They added that the reduced schedules will be effective "until health officials deem the crisis has passed and/or ridership begins to return to normal."

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Medical Personnel Ride Free

In the midst of Pritzker's stay-at-home order, Metra is allowing medical personnel to ride for free if they present a work identification card that shows they work for a hospital, doctor's office, medical facility or fire department.

Metra CEO and Executive Director Jim Derwinski said in a statement, "We know it's a small gesture but if it makes this all a little bit easier for these men and women who are bravely showing up at work every day and saving lives during this crisis, it's the right thing to do."