RTA Allocates ICE Funding for Today's Launch of Metra’s Rock Island Express Midday Service

August 1, 2016

The RTA is proud to have allocated the Innovation, Coordination and Enhancement (ICE) funding to make it possible for Metra to launch its new express midday service on the Rock Island Line today. This new service will speed up the trip between suburban stations and downtown Chicago by 15 to 20 minutes.

Metra has announced that it is scheduled to add three inbound express trains and two outbound express runs during the midday as part of a six-month trial program. The changes were driven by the success of weekend express service launched last year, which also received RTA ICE funding.

The RTA ICE program was established as part of the 2008 Mass Transit Reform Legislation. The program provides funding assistance to enhance the coordination and integration of public transportation and to develop and implement innovations to improve the quality and delivery of public transportation. Projects funded through this program advance the vision and goals of the RTA by providing reliable and convenient transit services and enhancing efficiencies through effective management, innovation and technology.

Ridership will be evaluated before any decision is made to make a permanent change to the Rock Island schedule. The cost of the six-month trial program is being covered by a $140,000 grant from the RTA’s ICE program.

New timetables are available on Rock Island trains and at stations. The new schedule also can be found at metrarail.com.