Los Angeles Metrolink vs Chicago Metra (NYC, California, rail, 2014)

[sf_arkitect]

How do the Los Angeles Metrolink and Chicago Metra systems stack up to one another?


Los Angeles' commuter rail system has more track mileage than Chicago's Metra - while the Metra has 11 lines again Metrolink's 7 lines.

[Folks3000]

Comparing Metra to Metrolink is like comparing the NYC Subway to the Cleveland RTA haha

They're not even on the same planet. Metra has massive ridership, robust all day two way service seven days a week, with giant length trains.

Metrolink doesn't even run all its lines on the weekend!

[masssachoicetts]

This cant be serious. Chicagos CTA L system is iconic and is far more expansive with heavy ridership

[shredyz]

Metra washes Metrolink. Chicago is much more reliant on public transit, thus its more fleshed out. LA is much more of a car city.

[ccm123]

Chicago’s is far superior.

[noid_1985]

Metra

[2Easy]

Originally Posted by masssachoicetts

This cant be serious. Chicagos CTA L system is iconic and is far more expansive with heavy ridership

This is about commuter rail, not the metro/subway.

[2Easy]

Originally Posted by Folks3000

Comparing Metra to Metrolink is like comparing the NYC Subway to the Cleveland RTA haha

They're not even on the same planet. Metra has massive ridership, robust all day two way service seven days a week, with giant length trains.

Metrolink doesn't even run all its lines on the weekend!

Agreed, although "robust all day two way service" is debatable from what I've seen.

Metra's peers in the US are NJT, LIRR, and MNRR. It's a top tier commuter rail system aside from the lack of electrification.

[OyCrumbler]

Originally Posted by 2Easy

Agreed, although "robust all day two way service" is debatable from what I've seen.

Metra's peers in the US are NJT, LIRR, and MNRR. It's a top tier commuter rail system aside from the lack of electrification.

Well, there's the Metra Electric District and its branches which are electrified.


Ideally, the systems in both LA and Chicago would be electrifying, grade-separating, and through-running so they run more like the French RERs or German/Northern European S-Bahns.

[2Easy]

Originally Posted by OyCrumbler

Well, there's the Metra Electric District and its branches which are electrified.


Ideally, the systems in both LA and Chicago would be electrifying, grade-separating, and through-running so they run more like the French RERs or German/Northern European S-Bahns.

Thanks for the correction.

LA Union Station is a terminal, but they are adding through running from HSR+local money. No serious plans for electrification. Grade crossings eliminated all the time and double tracking as well. In 10-20 years, Metrolink could be a second tier system.