Metra Boss: This Time Around, Rail Agency Better Prepared For Winter
(CBS) – As early-winter temperatures began settling in, Metra's top administrator pledged that his rail agency is ready for bitter conditions – unlike last time around.
Executive director Don Orseno told reporters Thursday Metra has new equipment, such as cold-air blowers and switch heaters, and has improved communications to improve performance this winter.
The new cold-air jet blowers resemble yellow cement mixers with air pipes like an elephant trunks, WBBM Newsradio's John Cody reports. They shoot out cold air at 500 mph, which is more useful than hot-air blowers, Orseno said.
As part of the larger winter picture, Orseno says 20 new switch heaters will keep the main yard open and working. Meanwhile, new software and procedural changes will keep riders better informed about when their trains will be arriving, he said.
It was a different story during last year's bitter winter. In January, many trains were delayed because of frozen switches and tracks, and commuters were stranded at platforms. Riders and elected leaders were outraged.
Orseno said Thursday there are plans to reduce operations by 20 percent if snows are heavy enough to keep riders home. He says this will allow train crews time for rest when their days grow long and difficult.
Orseno noted that last winter crews were on duty for 72 hours straight, sleeping in trucks, just to keep trains running. He said he can't promise there will be no disruptions in service.
