Metra Increases Service to Hyde Park

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Chicago ✅
1

Per the Maroon:

https://www.chicagomaroon.com/article/2017/9/12/metra-increases-service-hyde-park/

2

And here’s the schedule, for quick reference:

https://metrarail.com/about-metra/newsroom/final-metra-electric-line-schedule-revision-released

3

Very interesting how the HP ridership has increased almost 8% the last 3 years while overall ridership is down 14% the past 6 years. It’s also interesting (to me) how the Metra is responding and changing things around. It seems pretty responsive for a large municipal government department. My immediate feeling is that the Obama library has increased the political clout of the Hyde Park area. I hope that turns out to be a good thing for the HP and the University.

4

@kaukana it’s been going on since before the announcement of the library. HP has been actively improving in quality and attracting families who attend Lab, etc. The Obama Library no doubt helped accelerate the trend.

5

I imagine the Museum of Science and Industry is happy about this also.

6

Has anyone looked inside the 59th street Metra station recently, the one on the picture?

I remember it was in a very bad condition 4 years ago. This year I passed by the station under the Metra line - the street level, and did not go inside to check again.

I really hope that station’s condition has been improved a lot since it does not give a good first impression of the University if one takes Metra to there.

7

When were the shelters added? Those didn’t exist when I commuted via Metra in early 90’s. Looks like they are rehabbing down the line so hopefully those are currently in good shape. Anyone?

8

This is a long time coming.

I heard that ~90% of all Booth and Law School (?) full time students now live at or near Millennium Park and take the Metra every day. I wont be surprised if other grad school populations as well as fourth years that need to network while in school have shifted to that area as well. It is very convenient in the winter because of the underground passages to the Metra from the various Millenium Park buildings (snow free!)

The 53rd St/Hyde Park Station is okay but still needs some facelift, They definitely have to improve the official “UChicago Station” on Midway. And perhaps they will rename the one after that as the “Obama Library” station as an excuse for a facelift.