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Metra

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Wi-Fi on Metra Trains: Pricey, but Worth It?

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?

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 or air-cards. "(…

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Walter White

9:44 pm on Thursday, May 16, 2013

Metra ought to stay out of the phone business, and focus on the train business.   more ›

Monday, May 13, 2013

Grayslake: A Look at Metra Stops, Income Levels

Grayslake ranks 61st according to Crain's tracking of household income in the zip codes of Metra train stations.

A look at income levels in suburban towns with Metra stops provides a glimpse at the disparity in wealth throughout the area, according to a map by Crain's Chicago Business Journal.  Among all Chicago and suburban Metra stops, Grayslake ranked as the 61st highest income with an average income of $86,825, according to Crain's. Grayslake residents make on average 10.1 to 30 percent of the highest incomes, according to the map. Neighboring Libertyville ranked as the 22nd highest income with an average income of $109,416, while Vernon Hills ranked 50th with an average income of $90,325. The Metra station that ranked as number one was Kennilworth where the average income came in at $242,188, according to Crain's.  Read more and find out how …

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Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Driver Sustained Minor Injuries in Car-vs-Train Collision

The female driver was taken to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville.

Update, 4:09 p.m. Wednesday: From Grayslake Fire Lt. Doug Slazes: "The Grayslake Fire Department responded to a car vs. train accident at approximately 1:44 p.m. on Wednesday, May 8. Upon arrival, fire crews found a late model Ford Escape with heavy front-end damage. The vehicle was occupied with one female driver who sustained minor injuries. The driver appears to have been traveling north on Rte. 137 and turned left onto Rte. 83. It is unknown if she saw the railroad gates.  "According to bystanders, the driver saw the train and braked. The train struck the car on the driver front of the vehicle. The driver was taken to Condell Hospital in Libertyville with minor injuries. No other parties were injured on the scene and the car was towed …

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WorriedParent

6:02 pm on Saturday, May 11, 2013

Just went by there today, there IS a red no left turn at that intersection coming from Rt 137.....and when she turned left wouldn't she have hit the crossing bar before the train? She had someone looking over her that day, glad it wasn't more serious.   more ›

Monday, February 4, 2013

Grayslake Metra Fares Increase: What Will Tickets Cost You?

The price of the 10-ride ticket is no longer discounted.

Metra riders are no longer getting a discount for purchasing a 10-ride fare. The Metra Board of Directors voted last month to change the cost of the once discounted 10-ride pass to be equivalent to the price of 10 one-way fares. The change was made to help fund capital improvement projects, the Pioneer Press reports. The policy went into effect Feb 1.  Grayslake commuters will now pay $72.50 for a 10-ride pass, or $7.25 for a one-way ticket. Monthly passes are $206.50 and weekend tickets are $7. Ten-ride tickets purchased between Nov. 17 and Jan. 31 are valid through Feb. 28.  What do you think about the Metra fare increase? Will you take Metra less?

Thursday, November 1, 2012

UPDATE: Man Killed in Train Versus Pedestrian Incident Identified

Accident occurred near Midlothian Road in Libertyville.

Update, 4:32 p.m.: Lake County Coroner Artis Yancey identified the man killed by a train in Libertyville late Wednesday night as 47-year-old Michael Kenny of the 30000 block of North East End Avenue, Libertyville. Yancey said Kenny was pronounced dead at 9:45 p.m. Wednesday. He died of multiple traumatic injuries, Yancey said. The incident is still under investigation. "At this point, we have pretty much ruled out any type of foul play," said Yancey. Update, 8:46 a.m.: Metra Spokesman Tom Miller confirmed that a person was killed during a train versus pedestrian incident at about 9:45 p.m. Wednesday. Miller said the incident occurred near the station, located at 3001 Midlothian Road, Libertyville. The train was delayed for about two hours…

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Friday, June 22, 2012

UPDATE: Man Killed by Train on Father's Day Identified

The Lake County Coroner's Office says it's still unclear if the incident was a suicide.

UPDATE June 27 3:30 p.m.: The Lake County Coroner's Office tells Barrington Patch the investigation in the Ghaussy death is still ongoing. For this reason, they cannot reveal if the incident has been labeled as a suicide, an accident or other another cause. The investigation should be wrapped up by mid-July. We will have more information for the public at that time. Daoud (David) Ghaussy's obituary ...  The person hit and killed by a Metra train on June 17 has been identified.  The Lake County Coroner's Office has identified the deceased as 44-year-old Daoud Ghaussy of Barrington.  Ghaussy was struck by a Metra train at 11:15 a.m. on June 17 at the intersection of Cuba Road and Route 14. The Lake County Coroner's Office says Ghaussy's …

Max Gruppy

9:45 am on Wednesday, June 27, 2012

"Communities thrive when people care about each other, and as such, Patch expects all of its users to be respectful of others. If you notice any violation of this Acceptable Use Policy or other unacceptable behavior by any user, please report it to support@patch.com." Without limitation, you agree that you will not post or transmit to other users anything that contains Content that: is defamatory…   more ›

Sunday, June 17, 2012

UPDATE: Pedestrian Killed on Union Pacific Northwest Tracks

The incident happened Sunday, June 17 around 11:15 a.m.

UPDATE 8:55 a.m.:  The Lake County Coroner reports that the deceased has not yet been identified.  The cause of death has been confirmed as multiple traumatic injuries. The coroner's office says it's too early to say if the incident was a suicide or accidental.  ... A pedestrian was killed after being hit by a Metra Train on Father's Day.  It happened around 11:15 a.m. at Cuba Road and Route 14 along the Union Pacific Northwest line, between the Fox River Grove and Barrington Metra Stations.  Metra officials say the incident also damaged the train upon impact, causing an extremely long delay for passengers. "The train was stopped for quite a long time partially because the train itself was damaged in the incident. The passengers were taken…

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Thursday, May 17, 2012

Chicago NATO Summit: A Suburbanite’s Survival Guide

Life as we know it may be disrupted a bit while the eyes of the world are on Chicago for three days.

For the first time the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) will be holding a summit in an American city other than Washington, D.C. In addition to global leaders, more than 2,000 journalists and countless demonstrators and activists are expected to inundate the Chicago area. Some protests have already begun. Security measures are in place for the days before the summit and the actual meeting days, Sunday, May 20 and Monday, May 21, when more than 60 heads of state and government will come together to discuss security and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area. Although you are not a NATO delegate, some of the plans may affect your life during this time. Here is a rundown of the security plans as they now stand. Check websites listed …

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Metra Riders To Experience Fare Hikes Feb. 1

Metra Board approves fare Increases, changes in fare policies.

The Metra Board of Directors approved its 2012 budget, which includes increased fare prices that will go into effect on Feb. 1. Metra fare increases are across all ticket types and fare policies will see a change. Riders who travel from Libertyville or Prairie Crossing Station in Zone H, a one-way ticket would go up from $6 to $6.75; a 10-ride ticket would increase from $48.05 to $60.75; and a monthly pass would go from $152.55 to $192.25. According to the 2012 fare table, one-way tickets will increase an average of 15.7 percent across all fare zones, while 10-ride tickets will go up an average of 30 percent and monthly passes will increase an average of 29.4 percent. Reduced fare one-way tickets will increase an average of 10.3 percent, …

Brad Faxton

9:17 am on Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Good move Metra! They got the message - if spending is to high, raise rates. Don't cut services.   more ›

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Metra Holds Public Hearings on Fare Hikes, 2012 Budget

Metra is holding eight hearings in the Chicago metropolitan area before taking a final vote on its budget, Nov. 11.

Area residents will have an opportunity to express their feelings about Metra rate increases at a public hearing on Metra’s proposed 2012 budget, from 4 to 7 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 3, at the Grayslake Village Hall. “The purpose is to hear from the public and our riders about what they think of the proposed budget and to take comments. The board will consider all of the comments before they vote on the final budget,” said Michael Gillis, a spokesman for Metra. Metra board of directors will hold eight public meetings prior to voting on the budget, Nov. 11. In a Metra survey this summer, users favored a rate increase over schedule cutbacks. “Many people preferred us to retain the service the way it is and address the budget problem with fare …

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