BNSF Railway and Metra signed a new 10-year agreement to continue having the Class I freight carrier provide passenger service on Chicagoland’s busiest commuter route. 

The former Chicago, Burlington & Quincy route between Chicago and Aurora, Ill., known as the “BNSF Line” to commuters, is the last route on Metra that is operated by a freight carrier under contract. Until last year, the three ex-Chicago & North Western routes were operated by Union Pacific, but the freight carrier withdrew from that agreement. 

The new agreement between BNSF and Metra began on April 1 and includes an initial five-year term. The contract automatically extends for another five years unless either party elects to terminate the agreement. 

“BNSF is proud to continue our long‑standing partnership with Metra through this new agreement, which strengthens a relationship built over decades of collaboration,” said BNSF Assistant Vice President of Passenger Operations Jim Tylick. “Just as our freight network keeps goods moving across the country, we believe passenger rail plays a vital role in keeping people connected to the places and opportunities that matter most. We’re excited to continue shaping the future together with Metra through sustainable transportation solutions.”

BNSF also operates Metrolink commuter trains in California and Sounder in Washington state. Until earlier this year, it also operated Northstar in Minnesota. 

—Justin Franz