Metra may invest $9.1 billion in regional rail

The agency released a draft of a study examining potential ways to offer more frequent train service.

1 minute read

November 3, 2026, 5:00 AM PST

By Zachary Whalen


Metra train pulling into station.

Metra has already made some progress toward regional rail by simplifying its train schedules and improving service for reverse commuters. | ben bryant

Metra has released a draft of a new study detailing what needs to change for the agency to offer more frequent train service. The study’s Regional Rail 1.0 plan explores how Metra could offer trains every 30 to 60 minutes, and the Regional Rail 2.0 plan demonstrates how trains could run every 15 to 30 minutes.

“Metra estimates the bill for Regional Rail 1.0 would be $2.7 billion in capital costs and $269 million in additional operating costs while Regional Rail 2.0 would cost an additional $6.4 billion and $411 million more in operating costs,” Brandon Lewis writes for Mass Transit.

Under the drafted plan, some lines would simply see increased service, where others would see trains serving an inner and an outer zone. Metra has already made some progress toward regional rail by simplifying its train schedules and improving service for reverse commuters.

Monday, November 2, 2026 in Mass Transit

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