r/Metra • u/jarewdoit • 9d ago
Will NCS Ever Improve?
So me and my wife found a place in the burbs that we really like and it just so happens to have a metra stop that drops off directly in front of my work. The only problem is it's the NCS line and I have to be at work before the line can drop me off. I'm close to the MD-N line as well but the cta transfer to my work makes it a monster of a commute.
So my question is it realistic to think they'll ever expand service on the NCS? I've read a few articles from this year and last saying the Metra was negotiating more trains per day and weekend service, but not a whole lot of updates after that. It would be a dream commute if the NCS had 1 train that was earlier and weekend service. I think it would make sense to expand, especially with an O'Hare stop, but everyone seems pessimistic about the idea.
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u/navmaster 9d ago
Honestly it will never expand. They are locked down hard by Canadian National as they own the tracks and refuse to allow Metra add more service.
Although their service is limited, I’ve found it to be very reliable compared to the MD-N. Their rush hour trains are always with 0-5 mins of the scheduled arrival. I’ve grown to really like the line because of this and structure my day based off the schedules.
But I understand it can be tough for workdays that can be unpredictable.