Union Station

Proof that America's public transportation is lacking. I am a huge fan of public transportation...when it is reliable and efficient, that is. The Metra trains coming out of Union Station are neither. There have been countless delays and late trains in my experience with Union Station's Burlington Northern Santa Fe line, that I have almost come to expect the delays as part of my daily routine. These random delays are huge inconveniences, especially at the end of a long a tiring workday, it's a hassle I just wish I didn't have to deal with. I have been late for many dinners and appointments due to Metra's incompetence.

I can't believe I spend $100+ per month traveling with the Metra and it is such an unsatisfactory experience. Time is so valuable and Metra does not seem to realize this. For example, this evening, when EVERY SINGLE BNSF train was delayed and there were no trains in the station, Metra did not feel like it was necessary to explain to commuters what was going on and when they could expect to arrive home. We were waiting in the station indefinitely and I ended up arriving home nearly two hours later than scheduled. This type of service time and time again is just unacceptable.…

This rehabbed station is the busiest in Chicago and serves suburban commuters and interstate travelers.. In Short
Serves 50,000 Metra commuters every day. Union Station also connects Chicago to more than 500 North American destinations. Construction began in 1916 and was completed nine years later. The concourse building was torn down in 1969 and replaced by the office tower that stands there now. The Great Hall was spared, simply because developers had no immediate plans for the land.…