Metra regularly conducts project studies to ensure ongoing efficiency. Please refer to our completed studies, feasibility studies, and current projects below for more information.
Current Project Studies
Completed Project Studies
Between 2005 and 2012, Metra completed Alternatives Analysis (AA) studies for four potential New Starts projects, the Union Pacific West Line Upgrade, the Union Pacific Northwest Line Upgrade, the SouthEast Service, and the Suburban Transit Access Route (STAR) Line. The final reports from the AA studies are linked below:
- UP-W Upgrade Final AA Report - August 2007
- UP-NW Upgrade Final AA Report - October 2007
- SouthEast Service Final AA Report - August 2011
- STAR Line Final AA Report - June 2012
Feasibility Studies
Feasibility studies are studies that Metra has conducted over the years to explore potential extensions of existing lines or expansion of the system into new lines. The various studies below examine the feasibility of constructing and operating a service from an engineering and operations perspective and examines whether a project is technically viable.