How to Ride the MetraRail to Work
The Metra is one of the best ways to get work. It's an easy and affordable way to move and it is incredibly efficient. In these days of high gas prices and terrible traffic, the Metra is a fantastic option. So here is how to ride the MetraRail to work.
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Instructions
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Riding the MetraRail to Work
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Find the closest station.The first thing you'll need to do is find the station that is closest to you. Unlike a city bus system, the stations for the Metra are not particularly close to one another. On average, they can easily be at least five miles apart. So before you decide that the Metra is the mode of transportation for you, make sure that you can realistically get to the station.Some of the stations provide parking, in case you need to drive there. But some have limited parking (like 5-8 spots) while others offer many spots. And yet still, some have no parking at all, so check this out.
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Wait for the train.Once you are at the station, just find a bench or a shady spot and wait it out. The trains are all on a schedule and much more than street vehicles, they will come on or close to time. So when you get to the spot, just wait it out. If it's rush hour, there is a good chance the next train is only minutes away. If it is a more remote stop, there might be a train every few hours. You never know until you check.
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Grab a seat.Once the automatic doors open, get on and find your seat. The cabins are air conditioned and the seats are decently comfortable. Many of the cars have seats on the main floor and over head. There are usually only a limited number of seats on the top level, but they generally offer more privacy, more space and the chance for a nicer view. But again, there might not be any chairs available.In general, like on a bus, you'll find that people will try to take up a whole row for themselves, placing their bag on the other part of the bench next to them. But if you need a seat, ask if you can take the seat.At the ends of the cabins, there are double benches, with two sets of seat facing each other. Usually these are occupied by just two people, as four people with their legs hanging in front of them normally won't fit comfortably.
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Pay your fare.On the Metra, you sit first, pay later.Once the train gets moving, the conductors will walk through the cabins and ask for tickets. This is when you should hand them your ticket to get punched, or tell them you have to buy a one-way ticket and they will complete that for you as well.They use sort of an honor system, so while the opportunity is probably there to get away with a free ride, you really should just offer them your ticket if they don't specifically ask you for it.Every person's fare is different. Unlike a bus or a subway, your rail fare depends on how far you are going. They work in sections, and the more sections you travel, the more expensive your ticket. The cheapest ride is about $2.15 (regular fare, not discount) and it can go all the way up to near $10 if you are traveling the full route. Consult their website guide or a schedule for exact fare pricing.You don't have to just buy a one-way ticket every time you get on though. They have monthly passes, 10-ride tickets, etc. These are cheaper and save you money, so figure out what works and go for it.
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Tips & Warnings
Bring something to keep you entertained. It sort of depends on how long your ride is, but DVD's, books, iPods are all a good idea and permitted if you want.
Consult a schedule before you just show up at the train station. Some trains skip certain stops at certain times, some stop on a different track and some are express. So make sure you aren't caught waiting for that ghost train.
Not all cars make every stop. It sounds strange, but it's true. Some platforms are not very long and therefore not every door will open. To make sure you don't get caught, just ask a conductor if you are in the right place. It can only help.
- Photo Credit flickr.com
