Talk:Metra Electric Line

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[edit] Concern about NPOV in electrification section

The references to Hyde Park and its residents in the paragraph describing the events leading to electrification seem to violate NPOV. We can describe Hyde Park as a fashionable neighborhood at the time without appearing to disparage it or its current state. Also it seems inappropriate to modify the word concerns with smoke-clogged. MKoltnow 00:33, 13 November 2006 (UTC)


[edit] Trivia

This section is a misstatement of fact. While the Metra Electric main line (Chicago to University Park) only crosses one road, the South Chicago branch (between 63rd St. and 93rd St.) runs entirely at street-level, and so crosses many streets. In one section, it operates along tracks that run between the east- and west-bound lanes of E. 71st St. I would edit the section, but I am uncertain whether the Blue Island branch is grade-separated or runs at ground level, so I woulnd't be able to write a complete entry. In any case, the line "because it runs on electricity" is wildly incorrect. The Metra Electric runs off of a catenary wire power source, which does not affect its ability to cross roads in any way. Even third-rail powered trains, though, occasionally cross narrow roads at grade-level (e.g., the Chicago Transit Authority's Brown Line, between its Western and Kimball stations). There is no causal relationship between power-source and ability to cross roads. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 68.72.174.16 (talk) 21:57, 6 December 2006 (UTC).

I agree. Unless there is an objection, I am going to delete the trivia section entirely and make sure that the electrification section includes a reference to the minimal number of grade-crossings on the Main Line. MKoltnow 23:14, 6 December 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Rolling Stock

Metra's currently using two different cars on this route. I ride this route frequently, but all I know is that the older car has a Bombardier label, and the newer one was made by a Japanese firm. Anyone know more about these vehicles? —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 68.72.174.16 (talk) 22:30, 6 December 2006 (UTC).

Added a section on this myself (I made the request, too, before I had an account or paid attention to signing posts--sorry). The most specific data I could find said that the cars are simply called bi-level Highliner electric MUs, which is true of the cars made by all three manufactuerers.. I've noticed that there's a lot more detail for cars on other lines, though (e.g., NYC subway cars)--model #s, specs, etc. I'll keep looking, but if you know anything, please add it or send me refs. L Glidewell 01:40, 20 December 2006 (UTC)

[edit] "Gray Line"

I removed the reference to this in the External Links section. First of all, it linked only to a Google search. Second, as far as I know the "proposal" to put portions of the Metra Electric line under CTA control was made by the Hyde Park resident Mike Payne, and has never received serious consideration from any transit agency. It might be a good idea, but any entry here should make it absolutely clear that this proposal is very far from being implemented.L Glidewell 21:05, 15 December 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Future Chicago State University Station?

Has anybody read about the idea for a proposed new railroad station for Chicago State University being planned for this line? I've been working on an article on the 95th Street-Chicago State University (Metra) station when I found out about it. Here's a PDF file from the CSU Master plan(http://www.csu.edu/administrativeinformation/planning/PDF/masterplanpart1of4.pdf). (There's also a blog where this is mentioned as being a source of controversy. ----DanTD (talk) 18:31, 9 April 2008 (UTC)