Safety Measures and Security Protocols

Metra's commitment to safety hinges on the efforts of its staff, the Metra Police Department, and various public safety agencies. These entities work collaboratively to ensure the security of passengers and operations across Metra's network, including its trains and stations. Potential threats to safety may arise from pedestrian accidents, suicide attempts, vehicle collisions, derailments, acts of terrorism, mechanical failures, human errors, and adverse weather conditions.

Failures in safety and security can lead to severe consequences, including equipment damage, service interruptions, serious injuries, and fatalities. To mitigate these risks, Metra, alongside other agencies, prioritizes safety by allocating substantial resources to combat these threats.

In 2013, Metra enhanced police presence across its seven lines, reflecting a proactive approach to rider safety. As Metra spokesperson Michael Gillis stated, "We aim to be more visible and deliberate in our efforts to ensure rider security."

Law Enforcement at Metra

The Metra Police Department, consisting of over 100 officers, is a distinct law enforcement body dedicated to safeguarding passengers, employees, assets, routes, stations, and property. Each officer is trained in the National Incident Management System, enabling effective emergency preparedness and incident coordination. Collaborating with the Chicago Police Department, Metra Police also participates in the Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy. It is important to remember the sacrifice of Officer Thomas A. Cook, who lost his life in the line of duty.

Rail Safety Initiatives

Beyond operational safety, Metra emphasizes emergency preparedness and public awareness. Key safety features include railway platforms, grade crossing signals, and audible warnings that communicate train movements to pedestrians and motorists. Metra actively promotes safety through its Operation Lifesaver initiative, the largest rail safety organization in the U.S., offering complimentary safety education programs. Additionally, Metra conducts safety events in schools and runs a poster contest, recognizing winners with prizes and showcasing their artwork on monthly passes and at stations.

Metra's commitment to safety has earned it multiple E.H. Harriman Awards for its outstanding safety achievements, including a Bronze award in 2005 for the category of line-haul railroads with 4 to 15 million employee hours annually. Previous accolades include Gold awards in 2003 and 2004, as well as a Silver award in 2002.

Incident Overview

From 2001 to 2010, Metra recorded 156 non-employee fatalities involving its equipment and tracks, averaging 15 deaths per year. The year 2002 saw the highest fatalities, with 23 deaths, while 2010 followed closely with 21. Most fatalities occurred at grade crossings or involved collisions with trains, with four deaths linked to passengers onboard.

The most catastrophic commuter rail disaster in Illinois prior to the establishment of the RTA occurred in 1972, when a collision on the Metra Electric claimed 45 lives and injured 332.

The 1995 Fox River Grove bus-train collision, which resulted in the tragic loss of seven high school students, was another significant event in Metra's history.

In 2003, a Rock Island District train derailment injured 45 passengers, and in 2005, another train collision with a steel bridge resulted in two deaths and over 100 injuries, both incidents attributed to human error due to excessive speed.

On May 11, 2022, Metra train #1242 collided with a box truck in Clarendon Hills, causing four injuries and one death. This incident marks the second passenger fatality in Metra's history.

In addition to the tragic loss of life and injuries, Metra has faced multimillion-dollar lawsuits and settlements due to safety failures, leading to revised safety policies and enhancements in equipment and warning systems.

Current Locomotive Fleet

Metra's fleet comprises entirely diesel-electric locomotives, predominantly featuring F40PH models, while the Electric District operates electric multiple units.

Among the notable locomotives is EMD SW1 #2, built in 1946 and currently serving as a switch and work train. Initially owned by the Illinois Central Railroad, it was later sold to the Rock Island Railroad. This locomotive is rumored to be one of Illinois's oldest diesel models and one of the oldest in operation in the U.S.

General Motors Electro-Motive Division produced EMD SW1200 #3 in 1954, originally a Milwaukee Road locomotive, and EMD SW1500 units in 1967-68 and 1971-72, which began their service with Southern Pacific railroad assets.

Metra also operates EMD GP23ECOs, EMD F59PHI units, and EMD F40PH-3 locomotives, showcasing a diverse and modern fleet that meets current transportation demands.

This video provides an overview of the past, present, and future developments of the Metra railroad system.

This video discusses the impact of the Democratic National Convention on ridership patterns on Metra trains.