@@Jackyliu009 most trains go to aurora but there’s a few that end in Naperville and then becomes another train to go back to Chicago. If you look at a timetable and track diagram, you’ll see what I’m talking about. You’re right through, trains stop on the outer tracks but it’s still on the racetrack.
I too love Metra. I have ridden every Metra line with my friend. Just recently we went and did some railfanning in Naperville, and caught a lot of good action out there. Of course it’s on the BNSF line so we got Metra. Also got some freight, and Amtrak trains as well.
Metra BNSF commuter trains operate on an express and skip -a-stop schedule. Note that as then main line turns to go west the train is running on the far left track ( north track to bnsf dispatchers) center track is used to run express trains in any direction) and the far right track (south track) is used for eastbounds only. Note that the train switched to run on the center track to bypass the local train at the ZOO which makes local stops between Union station and Aurora. BNSF or the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy uses bidirectional signals to help speed up the traffic, which is a good thing to have when traffic is heavy. Metra's commuter trains share this three track raceway with A LOT of freight trains. Those train dispatchers have their work cut out for them BUT they KNOW their stuff! Thanks guys for keeping us all safe!
I have done that run quite a few times!! However, we that work on the BNSF line freight or passenger don't call it the "Racetrack" it was coined by railfans. Also, i know the guy who asked if you were filming, i was called off of frieght to work passenger that day and he left before my last train. I had Chicago- Downer's Grove to Aurora.
Nice video. Just an FYI you don't switch off the racetrack at Naperville, The racetrack begins just south of Chicago Union Station and ends at Aurora,
All trains have to exit the racetrack at Naperville, otherwise it won't be able to safely alight passengers at Naperville.
@@Jackyliu009 most trains go to aurora but there’s a few that end in Naperville and then becomes another train to go back to Chicago. If you look at a timetable and track diagram, you’ll see what I’m talking about. You’re right through, trains stop on the outer tracks but it’s still on the racetrack.
I see now. Thank you.
@@Jackyliu009 you’re welcome! I was there 2 years ago and during rush hours it was common to see 3 or 4 headlights at once.
Downtown Chicago to Naperville in 35 minutes is insane. Couldn't do that driving in any way. Metra and Chicago train transit in general is incredible.
Just don't drive during rush hour.
I mean, if you pick the right time of day and the right laws to ignore, it's probably doable...
I love metra
I too love Metra. I have ridden every Metra line with my friend. Just recently we went and did some railfanning in Naperville, and caught a lot of good action out there. Of course it’s on the BNSF line so we got Metra. Also got some freight, and Amtrak trains as well.
I appreciate the Metra videos, thank you Travel & Transit.
nice. ive only rode the metra electric and south shore line. hopefully i can visit chicago again soon
Please do. Ride more of our transit as you wish.
Metra BNSF commuter trains operate on an express and skip -a-stop schedule. Note that as then main line turns to go west the train is running on the far left track ( north track to bnsf dispatchers) center track is used to run express trains in any direction) and the far right track (south track) is used for eastbounds only. Note that the train switched to run on the center track to bypass the local train at the ZOO which makes local stops between Union station and Aurora. BNSF or the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy uses bidirectional signals to help speed up the traffic, which is a good thing to have when traffic is heavy. Metra's commuter trains share this three track raceway with A LOT of freight trains. Those train dispatchers have their work cut out for them BUT they KNOW their stuff! Thanks guys for keeping us all safe!
Awesome 💯
I have done that run quite a few times!! However, we that work on the BNSF line freight or passenger don't call it the "Racetrack" it was coined by railfans. Also, i know the guy who asked if you were filming, i was called off of frieght to work passenger that day and he left before my last train. I had Chicago- Downer's Grove to Aurora.
Nice
Awesome video! You should do more videos like this. That would be really cool.
27:22 biggest editing mistake ever
Do a Outbound view from locomotive
Can't. Not a Metra employee.
Metra posted a cab ride video from the front end on an outbound but it is not an express.
@@BroadwayLTDProductions I know it's mostly local service trains
Was this a regular run, or were they late and making up time?
Regular run, four of the Metra BNSF trips run like this every weekday. Two during AM, two during PM.
It's like rock Island too
The non suburban locals during weekday run express from Midlothian right downtown and vise versa
And no working railroader has ever called it the racetrack. Some railfan coined it that.