Heritage Corridor riders will have a new option for getting home each weekday when Metra adds a new mid-afternoon departure from Chicago on March 14.
The new 2:45 p.m. departure from Chicago Union Station will expand weekday service on the line from six to seven trains (three inbound morning runs and four outbound afternoon/evening trains) adding a convenient early departure option for customers who use the Heritage Corridor. The train will make stops at Summit, Willow Springs, Lemont and Lockport before arriving at its final destination in Joliet at 3:50 p.m.
The new service is the result of years of effort by Metra and elected officials along the route to add service to Heritage Corridor. The new service required agreements from Canadian National, which owns the tracks and operates freight service on the line, as well as Amtrak, the owner of Chicago Union Station.
“We couldn’t be happier that we are able to offer this new service to our Heritage Corridor customers, who will now have a convenient option when they need to leave early for things like school and family functions,” said Metra Executive Director/CEO Don Orseno. “We worked closely with CN and Amtrak, and we owe a debt a gratitude to the elected officials from the communities along this route who worked diligently to help us reach the agreement that allows us to add this train.”
Metra plans to formally launch the service during a press event on March 14 with U.S. Congressman Lipinski and many of the mayors and managers along the Heritage Corridor line. Representatives from CN and Amtrak are also expected to attend.