Metra Reminds Commuter Of Security Measures For NATO
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Metra is reminding riders of security restrictions and schedule changes for the NATO summit.
Nothing happens till Saturday morning. That's when the three-day ban on food and drink, backpacks, suitcases, boxes and other parcels takes effect on all 11 Metra commuter lines.
In addition, that is when the stations at 11th Street, 18th Street, McCormick Place, 27th Street and 47th Street on the Electric District will close through Monday night.
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The big service changes occur Monday, when 19 stations on the Electric District will close, including the entire Blue Island branch, although Metra Deputy Executive Director George Hardwidge said security will be tighter no matter what line you ride the next few days.
"With the resources we have available, we can accommodate what amounts to a full ridership and a full train schedule on Sunday," Hardwidge said. "On Monday the ridership is much higher, there are many more trains, and the train schedule is much more complex."
On Monday, the five stations closest to McCormick Place will remain closed, along with the entire Blue Island branch, four stations on the South Chicago branch, and stations between 63rd and 11th Streets on the Electric District main line -- with the exception of 95th Street.
Metra announced Tuesday that the resources had been found to keep the 95th Street station open on Monday.
In addition, no trains scheduled to arrive inbound at Millennium Station terminal between 12:57 p.m. and 6:46 p.m. will operate on Monday. Outbound service on the Electric District Monday is expected to be normal all day, except on the Blue Island branch.
Metra is advising riders who have questions to call RTA Travel Information, at 836-7000 in all area codes, or to check Metra's website for updated travel information.
