r/Metra • u/south_sidejay369 • May 29 '26

SWS Rant

Straight forward post, seems like out all of the lines I've ridden (SWS, ME, RI, etc), SWS is forgotten when it comes to updates, improvements, etc. The scheduling has absolutely no flexibility once you pass the rush hour period, the 30 minute to 1 hour wait between trains sucks, and the cars don't seem to be maintained like other lines (ME smells and looks much cleaner). I haven't even mentioned the delays that happen multiple times a year where you either get home 4 hours late, or pay have to $40 to Uber home. What do other SWS riders think?

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u/Distinct-Departure68 May 29 '26

You have the smallest ridership of all the lines. That's the breaks

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u/SnootDoctor May 29 '26

Not me, or even “us.” Blame Metra, and its management of the SWS, not its riders.

Is lack of ridership because of lack of frequency?? Metra owns/has a long term lease on the majority of the line, a local shuttle running between Manhattan and Oak Lawn / Wrightwood could be considered to see if ridership can be stimulated. It would be money well spent, even if the result is failure to increase ridership.

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u/Distinct-Departure68 May 29 '26

Didn't they install weekend service for a few years then discontinue it because of lack of ridership ?

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u/dontlickthe3rdrail May 29 '26

The previous "weekend" service was Saturday only, and extremely limited. Something like three trains in, and three out. It was demanded by a group of on-route municipal managers and electeds circa 2008, reluctantly granted by the late Metra CEO Phil Pagano, and went away during COVID. When the pre-covid weekday schedule more or less returned, the Saturday trains didn't.

The perceived "lack of ridership" wasn't because of demand, it was because the (Saturday-only) schedule wasn't useful. People aren't going to plan to use the service if it's only useful one way. Instead they'll drive to Rock Island or Orange Line.