By Railfan & Railroad Staff

Metra is dramatically increasing train frequency on its North Central Service line between Chicago Union Station and O’Hare International Airport before, during and after this month’s Democratic National Convention. 

The North Central Service connects Chicago Union Station and Antioch, Ill., mostly on Canadian National (ex-Soo Line) trackage. With just seven weekday departures from Chicago, it is the least used of Metra’s 11 routes and does not normally have weekend service. However, in the days surrounding the DNC, Metra plans on offering hourly service between O’Hare and downtown in anticipation of large crowds coming into the city for the convention. The first inbound train from O’Hare will depart at 6:17 a.m. daily and the last will depart at 10:45 p.m. The full schedule can be found online. 

In a press release announcing the expanded services, Metra thanked CN and CPKC (which dispatches the east end of the service) for allowing the commuter railroad to increase service during the convention. 

“This service will be a much faster and far less stressful option than driving or taking a cab or rideshare on the Kennedy, which is even more jammed than usual due to an ongoing construction project,” said Metra Executive Director and CEO Jim Derwinski. “And with a one-way fare of $3.75, the trains will be significantly less expensive, too.”