Metra is seeking input from its riders on the potential renaming of its commuter lines to enhance clarity for new and occasional users. A survey is available at metra.com/LineNames, and public outreach events are scheduled from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at various locations: March 11 at Chicago Union Station, March 12 at Ogilvie Transportation Center, and March 13 at Millennium Station and LaSalle Street Station.
This initiative coincides with Metra’s upcoming transition to operate the Union Pacific North, Northwest, and West lines. Historically managed by Union Pacific Railroad employees, these lines will now be directly operated by Metra as UP phases out its involvement in passenger train operations.
Renaming these lines offers an opportunity for Metra to reassess all line names across its network. Current names lack a consistent pattern, often reflecting historical freight railroads or geographical directions rather than a unified system. This inconsistency can be confusing for newcomers and those less familiar with English.
The survey presents three options for consideration:
1. Retain existing names and colors except for the three UP lines.
2. Use a single color for all lines, labeling them with “M” for Metra followed by a number (e.g., M1, M2).
3. Assign a single color to lines sharing a downtown station, labeled with letters indicating direction paired with numbers (e.g., N1 for UP North).
Research shows that clearer line naming could encourage more frequent use among infrequent riders; currently, 70% of customers ride once monthly or less.
This renaming effort is part of a broader project aimed at updating signage across the system. The design phase will continue into 2026 before moving into manufacturing and installation later that year, with completion expected by early 2029.
