Which Chicagoland train system is better ? Metra or CTA (Harvey: house, neighborhoods)

[Chicagoland60426]

I been living in the Chicago area (suburbs) for all my life, but it been a while since I have took the the Metra to Downtown Chicago. I'm planning to take the Metra Train to downtown more often to save on gas and parking.But I'm was wondering is the Metra Train safer than the CTA train systerm and have less mugging & assaults, since most of the Metra is in the suburbs ? If you say Metra is safer/better, then say yes on the poll, is Metra not safer, then say no on poll.

[JDubsMom]

Originally Posted by bluchidog

I been living in the Chicago area (suburbs) for all my life, but it been a while since I have took the the Metra to Downtown Chicago. I'm planning to take the Metra Train to downtown more often to save on gas and parking.But I'm was wondering is the Metra Train safer than the CTA train systerm and have less mugging & assaults, since most of the Metra is in the suburbs ?

I can't believe you have to ask. Hands down METRA. CTA is on life support from day to day, too many hands in the pot stealing the funding, tiny uncomfortable seats, rough ride, poor service, no real timetable and on many of its lines it has everything from ghetto preachers to thugs selling CD's, telephone cords, socks, address books and anything else they manage to steal from Walmart or where ever else. Yet another reason I fled Chicago more than 20 years ago. CTA SUCKS.

Metra on the other hand comfortable, clean, reasonably priced and is rarely if ever is late and if they are it's usually for one of two legitimate reasons: inclimate weather or an accident. In the more than 20 years that I have ridden Metra I can count the times it's been late or not running.

[myrc60]

I'd say Metra is safer but I don't know how to answer your poll.

[Chicagoland60426]

Originally Posted by myrc60

I'd say Metra is safer but I don't know how to answer your poll.

Say Yes if you think Metra is safer/better, and say No if Metra is not safer/better

[scarletneon]

If you are afraid of businessmen working on their laptops, don't ride Metra.

And, JDubsMom, I feel ya, I'm getting really sick of getting mugged EVERY DAY on the Red Line. it sucks so bad. And managing to catch the same bus and train every day because for some reason I insist on leaving the house at the same time every day really gets my goat too

[JerichoHW]

I often take the Metra electric line through harvey into Chicago, it isn't that bad some of the cars are older. They aren't real safe on weekdays after rush hour. Otherwise there quick and reliable, after harvey they go through riverdale, then over by altgeld gardens and through the pullman area up through Hyde Park and kenwood and end in Downtown.

[Chicagoland60426]

Originally Posted by JerichoHW

I often take the Metra electric line through harvey into Chicago, it isn't that bad some of the cars are older. They aren't real safe on weekdays after rush hour. Otherwise there quick and reliable, after harvey they go through riverdale, then over by altgeld gardens and through the pullman area up through Hyde Park and kenwood and end in Downtown.

Its a funny thing you said you take the Harvey station, because that the one I take , since i live in the area. That was the reason I ask if the Metra is better. I know Harvey go through some rough spots in the city, but since a large number of professional people ride the Metra trains, it would be more safer. Thank you for your information; but is it still safe on the weekends ?

[Tex?Il?]

I would say Metra is safer/cleaner/better.

However, it is kind of a strange question somewhat because the Metra is a suburban/exurban commuter train (as well as some far out neighborhoods like Edgebrook, etc., while the CTA is the "intraurban" for the city (above ground subway). So if you live in the city CTA would be practical, while Metra would not be.

[JDubsMom]

Originally Posted by supernerdgirl

If you are afraid of businessmen working on their laptops, don't ride Metra.

And, JDubsMom, I feel ya, I'm getting really sick of getting mugged EVERY DAY on the Red Line. it sucks so bad. And managing to catch the same bus and train every day because for some reason I insist on leaving the house at the same time every day really gets my goat too

I understand.

[JerichoHW]

Originally Posted by bluchidog

Its a funny thing you said you take the Harvey station, because that the one I take , since i live in the area. That was the reason I ask if the Metra is better. I know Harvey go through some rough spots in the city, but since a large number of professional people ride the Metra trains, it would be more safer. Thank you for your information; but is it still safe on the weekends ?

It is pretty safe on weekends, I don't get on in Harvey on the weekends because the parking in Homewood or Calumet isn't as full. But yes the rain does have it's rough spots particularly around the Pullman station and Chicago State, but the trains are well staffed to insure saftey. I'd say I get on in Harvey about once a month because it's impossible to get decent parking down at Homewood or Calumet, the Harvey station is actually relativley new compared to some of the other ones. But for weekends especially this time of the year it is safe with people heading to White Sox or Cubs games.