Metra considers renaming lines, changing maps for Chicago area

Metra is considering renaming its lines in the Chicago area.

The rail agency has released a survey to gauge public feedback on the potential changes, saying it aims to "make the system easier to understand for new and occasional riders."

The move comes as Metra takes control of three lines previously operated by the Union Pacific Railroad, which runs the Union Pacific North, Northwest and West lines. Metra said "UP no longer wants to run passenger trains" and Metra "will begin to directly run the service" this spring. As part of the transition, “Union Pacific” will be phased out of the three line names.

"Renaming the three UP lines presents Metra with an opportunity to reconsider all its line names, which follow no logical or consistent pattern," Metra said in a release. "Many are named after freight railroads that used to or still operate the service, while some are named for directions, or how trains are powered, or their location in a historic corridor. On maps, signs, and timetables, each line uses a different color. The result can be confusing for new users, and for those who have limited proficiency with English."

The agency noted, for example, that two lines have Milwaukee in their names because they were once part of the Milwaukee Road, though they don't run to that city.

When taking the survey, riders will be asked about multiple options for changes.

Option 1 groups Metra line names by "cardinal direction and coordinates line colors by downtown station."

Line names would be grouped based on the part of the region the line serves.

North Side and North Suburban lines UPN, MDN, NCS, UPNW	'N' and a number
West Side and West Suburban lines MDW, UPW, BNSF	'W' and a number
South Side and South Suburban lines HC, SWS, RI, ME	'S' and a number

Line colors would then be "coordinated by downtown station, based on the downtown terminal that the line serves."

Ogilvie Transportation Center lines UPN, UPNW, UPW	Ogilvie Green
Union Station lines BNSF, HC, MDN, MDW, NCS, SWS	Union Gold
LaSalle Street Station lines RI	LaSalle Orange
Millennium Station lines ME	Millennium Grey

Option 2 would utilize the letter "M" for Metra, paired with a number. The lines would be numbered in counterclockwise order based on how they converge in downtown Chicago. It would also use a single color for the entire system.

"Metra believes developing clear and consistent line names may make the system easier to understand and encourage infrequent and first-time riders to ride more often," the rail agency said. "Research indicates that seven out of 10 customers ride once a month or less, while four out of 10 ride only once a year."

The company already plans to replace a variety of signs systemwide by early 2029.

"It makes practical and economic sense to also consider changing the line names as part of this effort," the company said.

Riders can take the survey at metra.com/LineNames. They will also be available at the following locations:

• March 11: Chicago Union Station
• March 12: Ogilvie Transportation Center
• March 13: Millennium Station and LaSalle Street Station

The survey will ask riders to choose between three options:

• Retaining all the current names and colors except for the three UP lines
• Using a single color for all lines and labeling all lines with an “M” for Metra paired with a number. For instance, M1, M2, M3, etc.
• Using a single color for lines that share a downtown station, and labeling them with a letter to indicate the direction they go from downtown paired with a number. For instance, the three lines that use Ogilvie would be the same color, and would be labeled N1 (for the UP North), N4 (for the UP Northwest) and W2 (for the UP West)