The communities that grew to become the Beverly/Morgan Park neighborhood grew up around the construction of the Rock Island commuter trains that connected people living out in the “country” with jobs and shopping in the City of Chicago.
Even though we have a lot more transportation options today than people had in the 1870s, area residents and riders in communities from the south Loop all the way to Joliet still rely on the Metra Rock Island line every day.
In recent years, ridership on the Metra Rock Island and Electric lines have decreased due to higher ticket costs and infrequent train schedules.
A proposed pilot program supported by Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and a coalition of civic and business groups that include the Active Transportation Alliance calls for reduced fares, low-cost transfers to CTA and Pace, and expanded service to South Side and south suburbs. The proposal is still under discussion.
BAPA is working with area resident Anne Alt to develop an online survey about Rock Island Metra ridership. Look for a link in BAPA’s social media and Neighborhood Notes enews to share your opinions in the areas of how, when, why (or why not) you use the Metra, as well as what would make using the Metra more attractive to you.
