History

1850s–1900s: The Railroads Arrive

• 1851–1900s: Private railroads like the Chicago & North Western, Illinois Central, and Burlington Route begin offering commuter service from Chicago to surrounding suburbs.
  
  

1970s: Decline of Private Commuter Rail

• 1974: The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) is formed to help support public transit (CTA, suburban buses, and commuter rail).
  
  

1980s: Birth of Metra

• 1984: Metra is officially created as a division of the RTA to consolidate and operate commuter rail services.
  
  

• 1987: Metra adopts its current name and branding.
  
  

1990s: Expansion and Upgrades

• 1991: Metra opens service to SouthWest Service Line after taking over from Norfolk Southern.
  
  

• 1996: Launch of North Central Service, connecting Antioch to Chicago Union Station.
  
  

2000s: New Stations and Modernization

• 2004: Metra opens new stations including on the SouthWest Service and North Central lines.
  
  

• 2006: Metra introduces "Operation Lifesaver" for rail safety education.
  
  

2010s: Growth and Tech

• 2011: Metra launches its Twitter account and begins using social media.
  
  

• 2014: Ventra App is introduced, allowing mobile ticket purchases.
  
  

2020s: COVID-19 and Recovery

• 2020: COVID-19 pandemic leads to huge drop in ridership. Metra reduces service.
  
  

• 2021–2022: Gradual recovery of service; Metra tests new schedules and increases flexibility for remote workers.
  
  

• 2023: Metra purchases new railcars and locomotives to modernize the fleet.
  
  

• 2024: Metra works on electrification plans and improves frequency on several lines.
  
  

2025:

• Metra continues to plan new lines and more frequent service, especially in areas underserved by rail.
  
  

• Plans to coordinate more with CTA and Pace for seamless regional transit.

Yep, this all happened 🚆😀