Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Why doesn’t Metra have wireless internet on its trains yet? Mostly because it would be enormously expensive and a technological challenge, too. But should they?
Should Metra get Wi-Fi? Even if it’s expensive and hard to implement and maintain? The commuter-rail network is considering the possibility, the Chicago Tribune and other news agencies report, but price and technology continue to be two major barriers, despite that a DePaul University report shows 48 percent of Metra riders use personal electronic devices during their commutes. According to the paper, it could cost over $70 million to install wireless internet on all 11 Metra lines over five years—though some of that could perhaps be recouped by paid plans or sponsorships—and there’s a fear that the technology might quickly become obsolete or go unused by customers who prefer other connectivity, like smart-phone hotspots or air-cards. "(…
Monday, May 13, 2013
Deerfield ranks 14th according to Crain's tracking of household income in the zip codes of Metra train stations.
A look at income levels in suburban towns with Metra stops provides a glimpse at the disparity in wealth throughout the area, according to a map by Crain's Chicago Business Journal. Among all Chicago and suburban Metra stops, Deerfield ranked as the 14th highest income with an average income of $126,943, according to Crain's. Deerfield residents are in the top 10 percent for the highest incomes, according to the map. Neighboring Lake Forest ranked as the 11th highest income with an average income of $133,383; Lake Bluff ranked 35th with an average income of $101,858; and Highland Park ranked 18th with an average income of $114,680. The Metra station that ranked as number one was Kennilworth where the average income came in at $242,188, …
Monday, February 4, 2013
The price of the 10-ride ticket is no longer discounted.
Metra riders are no longer getting a discount for purchasing a 10-ride fare. The Metra Board of Directors voted last month to change the cost of the once discounted 10-ride pass to be equivalent to the price of 10 one-way fares. The change was made to help fund capital improvement projects, the Pioneer Press reports. The policy went into effect Feb 1. Deerfield commuters will now pay $52.50 for a 10-ride pass, or $5.25 for a one-way ticket. Monthly passes are $149.50 and weekend tickets are $7. Ten-ride tickets purchased between Nov. 17 and Jan. 31 are valid through Feb. 28. What do you think about the Metra fare increase? Will you take Metra less?
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Metra's board voted to drop the discount on its 10-ride ticket.
Folks who ride the Metra regularly may now have to shell out an extra few bucks for every 10th trip. The cost of an individual ride between both the Lake Cook and Deerfield Road Metra stops into Chicago's Union Station remains $5.25 but a 10-ride ticket is now $5.25 more. That's because the Metra board of directors voted 8-2 Nov. 16 to raise the cost of a 10-ride ticket. The new 10-ride ticket costs the same as 10 individual tickets. In the past, the discounted fare only charged the equivalent of nine rides. The increased fare goes into effect Feb. 1, and 10-Ride tickets purchased Nov. 17 through Jan. 31 are valid only through Feb. 28, according to the Metra website. Even though the measure was passed by the board, the fare increase cannot…
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Joshua Moy takes grade level and people’s choice awards for his original design promoting railroad safety.
Deerfield High School sophomore Joshua Moy created a poster that was the people’s choice award winner in the sixth annual Metra Safety Contest promoting railroad safety awareness, according to a news release from Metra. Moy’s design was chosen the best of all work submitted by high school sophomores by the 20-judge panel and also picked as the top creation among more than 5,500 entrants from all grade levels from nearly 250 schools by a panel of 550 members of the public. All posters and essays were designed to create awareness of railroad safety. “Nothing is more important to Metra than keeping children—and the public—safe,” Metra CEO Alex Clifford said in the release. “I would like to commend each and every person who participated in …
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Metra underpass will be painted from 9 p.m. today through 4:30 a.m. tomorrow. Neighborhood repaving begins.
Deerfield Road will be closed at the Metra underpass from 9 p.m. today until 4:30 a.m. Friday for painting, according to Deerfield Chief Project Engineer John Guccione. The underpass will be painted during that time. Alternative routes across the railroad tracks are Osterman Avenue a block to the south and Hazel Avenue a few blocks to the north. Earlier: Deerfield Road Construction Starts Today Several neighborhood repavement projects began Tuesday in three different parts of the Village and should be complete by the end of next week, according to an email from Guccione. Pavement removal has begun and new roadway will be laid next week. Camille, Rago, Williams and Davis Avenues will be repaved between Crowe Avenue and Chestnut Street. …
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Lake Forest man survives with minor injuries after turning onto rebuilt part of roadway.
(Update, 11 a.m. Wednesday) A Lake Forest man partially confused by construction at the intersection of Half Day and Waukegan Roads was the victim who escaped a collision with a northbound Metra Train Tuesday with minor injuries, according to the Lake County News-Sun . Michael Bungert, 57, was driving his 2010 GMC Terrain southbound on Waukegan Road at approximately 7:30 a.m. Tuesday and attempted to make a right turn onto westbound Half Day Road, according to the News-Sun. The intersection is under heavy construction. Bungert told Bannockburn police he turned in between two barrels where there was space for a car to proceed through, even though there was a solid white line. Once onto the newly cemented Half Day Road, Bungert began to …
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Minor injuries suffered by the driver who was alone in the vehicle.
A northbound Metra train struck a dark colored SUV slightly injuring the driver near the intersection of Waukegan and Half Day Roads at approximately 7:30 a.m. today, according a Metra spokesperson and witnesses on the scene. Metra could not confirm the identity of the driver, who was the only person in the car, according to Metra spokesperson Tom Miller. “One person was hospitalized with minor injuries,” Miller said. He did not know the person’s name or hometown. The vehicle sustained more significant damage. “It looked pretty bad,” a witness who works in the area said. “I saw them take the car away.” He said there was an ambulance, police and fire vehicles. The initial call came to the Deerfield Police, which receives calls for …
Friday, May 18, 2012
Life as we know it may be disrupted a bit while the eyes of the world are on Chicago for three days.
- GOVERNMENT
-
Friday, May 18, 2012
For the first time the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) will conduct a summit in an American city other than Washington, D.C. In addition to global leaders, more than 2,000 journalists and countless demonstrators and activists are expected to inundate the Chicago area. Some protests have already begun. Security measures are in place for the days before the summit and the actual meeting days, Sunday, May 20 and Monday, May 21, when more than 60 heads of state and government will come together to discuss security and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area. Although you are not a NATO delegate, some of the plans may affect your life during this time. Here is a rundown of the security plans as they now stand. Check websites listed …
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
New price structure starts today.
Some Deerfield commuters will be making personal adjustments when Metra’s new pricing structure becomes effective today while others are taking it in stride. Robert Feiger of Deerfield, who takes the train to Chicago on a regular basis, can afford the hike but feels for those who cannot. “Thirty-five percent is a bit expensive.” he said. Is it too much? “No, not for me, but it’s going to be too much for others.” Earlier: Update: Metra Raises Fares for Deerfield Commuters The monthly fare for people commuting from the Deerfield Road station to downtown Chicago goes from $116.10 per month to $149.50, according to Metra spokesperson Meg Reile. The 10-ride ticket price becomes $47.25 rather than $36.65. A one-ride fare is now $5.25 rather than…
Walter White
9:44 pm on Thursday, May 16, 2013
Metra ought to stay out of the phone business, and focus on the train business. more ›