In August, 731 of 18,296 trains were tardy by six minutes or more. The most common causes for delays were related to signal/switch failure, increased passenger loadings, and track construction.
The current chief mechanical officer oversees 650 employees responsible for the repair, inspection, cleaning and maintenance of nearly 1,200 railcars and locomotives.
The campaign is designed to evoke an emotional response from prospective customers and, ultimately, get them to consider the stress-relief advantages of riding Metra versus the frustrations of driving their car to work.
The exact number will depend on the responses to the RFP, the amount of funding available, and whether Metra can use financing alternatives, such as leasing, to maximize its funding.
The first round of the program, which began in 2010 and cost $115 million, renovated 176 railcars that were manufactured by Amerail (originally Morrison Knudson) and delivered to Metra between 1995 and 1998.
Safety employees will be at one of the commuter railroad’s 241 stations during the morning commute, distributing educational materials about train and grade crossing safety, answering questions and listening to commuters’ safety concerns.
Orseno began his career in 1974 as a ticket collector on Chicago Rock Island & Pacific Railroad commuter trains.
"Taking over the train with a rowdy group” was the behavior that most concerned survey respondents, followed by “hands-free sneezing and coughing."
Uber’s name will be featured on a wide range of promotional materials, including posters displayed at train stations and on Metra trains, timetables, mailing inserts and at ticket office windows.
Will also be working with local communities to give them the opportunity to provide community-specific information to be displayed on the screens at no cost.