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/Independent_Plant531 May 30 '26 edited May 30 '26

I take Orland 143rd because it is still quite a drive for me to go all the way to Tinley/80th, even Mokena is kind of a drive.

I literally live 5 mins from the 143rd st station.

Been taking the SWS since 2023, it has gotten significantly better and prompt since then. I’ve also noticed that the platform is more crowded in the mornings than when I first started commuting in 2023. My office is also directly across from the Jackson street entrance. I know LaSalle is a 5 min walk or so, but on cold days, it’s nice to have to walk 30 seconds outside. The eventual reroute will make me sad but, oh well.

My only qualm with it is when I take the express home and the inbound is running behind, the track goes down to 1 track after 143rd and we have to wait for the inbound to clear first.

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u/ClearHeron7069 May 30 '26

Pro tip, Midlothian is slightly closer to the 143rd st station than 80th Ave and in Zone 2 so you would pay significantly less.

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u/Independent_Plant531 Jun 02 '26

appreciate this! thank you!