Union Pacific ending Metra operations

[eric]

Operations to be taken over by Metra, including the California Car Shop, and presumably the M19A locomotive maintenance shop.

https://www.up.com/media/releases/me...In&agfs=social


Union Pacific Transferring Commuter Rail Services to Metra

Transfer expected to result in seamless commuter experience; completion anticipated first quarter 2024

CHICAGO, IL., MARCH 30, 2024

Union Pacific is working with Metra to safely and seamlessly transfer its commuter rail operation in Chicago, including the employees who perform the work. Union Pacific anticipates completing the transfer by the end of first quarter 2024.

As part of the transition, Metra will take over services including train crew, mechanical, car cleaning, rolling stock maintenance, ticket sales and some engineering services. Several management employees transitioned to Metra earlier this year, with plans to start transferring Mechanical and Transportation craft professionals in third quarter 2023.

“We greatly appreciate Metra’s collaboration in continuing to provide excellent and safe service to commuters during this transition,” said Eric Gehringer, executive vice president-Operations. “Thank you to our employees for your outstanding dedication and teamwork to provide uninterrupted commuter experience.”

Union Pacific will continue to maintain the track and manage train movements on its lines: Union Pacific West, Union Pacific Northwest and Union Pacific North.

[qballbandit]

Not at all surprising based on UP's state of affairs. Wondering what other "operational" shifts are in the works.

[eric]

Dunno... UP has has pretty good Financials.

There's apparently two phases to this transaction -- there's this operational phase, and then the transfer of real estate comes next.

My thought is they will transfer all the track east of Cy and Rockwell Jct (Kedzie Ave) to Metra, including the Western Ave Jct and the leads into Olgilvie. That would then allow Metra to build out the long needed A2 crossovers and eliminate a bunch of the holding that currently takes place at the Junction.

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