Metra UP North Line Expansion- Chicago Rail Service Boost

Metra expands UP North Line weekend service, adding 15 trains. New schedule starts Sept. 20, boosting Chicago-Kenosha travel.

Metra UP North Line Expansion- Chicago Rail Service Boost
September 6, 2025 2:13 pm
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Introduction

Metra is expanding weekend service on its UP North Line, which connects Chicago to Kenosha, Wisconsin, starting September 20. The new schedule will provide 15 inbound and outbound trains on both Saturdays and Sundays.

Metra UP North Line Service Expansion

The new schedule on the UP North Line, beginning September 20, will offer 15 inbound and outbound trains on both Saturdays and Sundays. This represents an increase of four trains on Saturdays and 12 trains on Sundays. Seven of the 15 trains, both inbound and outbound from Chicago, will terminate at Waukegan, Illinois, instead of Kenosha.

Metra BNSF Line Service Enhancements

Metra is also increasing service on its BNSF Line from Chicago to Aurora, starting September 8. This includes the addition of weekday express trains and expanded hourly service on weekends.

Rationale for Schedule Changes

Metra officials stated that the new schedules reflect customer feedback and address capacity issues on the trains.

San Diego MTS Ridership Figures

The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) recorded over 80 million passenger trips for the first time since the pandemic. In fiscal year 2025, the transit agency reported 81,181,071 boardings, a 7.1% increase from FY2024.

MTS Post-Pandemic Strategy

Following ridership losses during the pandemic, MTS focused on attracting riders by adding more service, increasing trolley service frequency, and bolstering security. MTS CEO Sharon Cooney stated, “We’ve recovered more than 95% of our pre-pandemic ridership, which speaks volumes about the trust our riders place in MTS and the value of public transit in San Diego.”

Last June 2025, we discussed Metro Trains’ Sunbury Line biodiversity project, aiming to boost native grasslands. Click here to read – Sunbury Line: Rail’s Future? Metro’s Sustainable Transport Guide

Conclusion

Metra is increasing service on its UP North and BNSF lines, while San Diego MTS has surpassed 80 million passenger trips in FY2025. These service adjustments and ridership gains reflect responses to customer needs and the transit environment.

Company Summary

Metra: Metra is a Chicago commuter railroad operating multiple lines.

San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS): The San Diego MTS provides trolley and bus services in the San Diego metropolitan area.

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