Transit authorities encouraged customers to only travel if necessary during dangerously cold conditions this week across the Chicago area. For those who must take Metra, Amtrak, the Chicago Transit Authority or Pace buses, leave extra time and dress appropriately.
PACE BUS
While all Pace buses are currently in service ahead of severe weather, the transit authority warns that "hazardous road conditions or unexpected equipment issues may cause delays."
"There is an increased risk of frost bite and hypothermia in these conditions," Pace said in a statement. "Please postpone unnecessary travel, especially if you cannot seek shelter while you wait."
CHICAGO TRANSIT AUTHORITY
The CTA said it aims to keep "service moving despite extreme weather" and hopes to quickly solve issues as they come up. "For the latest info on your route," check transitchicago.com/alerts or sign up to get updates sent directly to you via transitchicago.com/updates," the transit authority said.
AMTRAK
Amtrak modified schedules on certain Midwest routes in Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin in response to severe weather, canceling trains on some routes. The following routes will be affected:
Chicago-Carbondale corridor: Illini/Saluki & City of New Orleans
Trains 58 & 59 and Trains 391 & 392 are scheduled to operate. Train 393 is canceled on January 28, 29 and 30. Train 390 is canceled on January 29, 30 and 31.
Chicago-St. Louis corridor: Lincoln Service & Texas Eagle
Trains 21/321/421, 22/322/422, 300, 302, 303, 305 & 307 are scheduled to operate. Trains 301 & 304 are canceled on January 29, 30 and 31.
No changes on the Chicago-Quincy Carl Sandburg/Illinois Zephyr route, with Trains 380, 381, 382 & 383 scheduled to operate.
Chicago-Detroit/Pontiac corridor: Wolverine Service
Local
Trains 351, 352, 353 & 354 are scheduled to operate. Trains 350 & 355 are canceled on January 29, 30 and 31.
No changes on the Chicago-Port Huron Blue Water route and the Chicago-Grand Rapids Pere Marquette route, with Trains 364 & 365 and Trains 370 & 371 scheduled to operate.
Chicago-Milwaukee corridor: Hiawatha Service
Trains 330, 331, 334, 335, 338, 339, 341 & 342 are scheduled to operate. Trains 329, 332, 333, 336, 337 & 340 are canceled on January 29, 30 and 31.
METRA
Metra trains will run on a modified schedule as the Chicago area braces for extreme cold, the transit authority announced.
The schedule, posted online, "are designed to provide adequate service for the predicted ridership," according to Metra, while reducing the amount of equipment and rail switch points to avoid service disruptions.
Metra urged riders to leave extra time for travel on Wednesday as temperatures lower than -10 degrees will reduce train speeds to 60 mph.
"Metra’s intent with this modified schedule is to preserve the safety of our passengers during this extreme weather event," a spokesperson said. "Extra personnel will be deployed throughout the event to address mechanical and track issues."
Current forecasts predict wind chill values during the polar blast to dip between -40 and -60 degrees.
