Durbin Meets With Metra CEO
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today met with Metra CEO Jim Derwinski and members of Metra’s Board of Directors to discuss transportation priorities in Illinois, including last week’s Amtrak computer system failure at Chicago Union Station that resulted in 12 hours of delay impacting 100,000 Metra and Amtrak passengers. Durbin also discussed increased funding for Metra operations, the implementation of Positive Train Control (PTC) safety technology, and service issues on Metra’s BNSF line.
“For many Illinoisans, Metra is the only affordable and accessible transportation option they have,” Durbin said. “Maintaining strong funding levels for Metra and Amtrak is imperative. I’ll continue to work with my colleagues in Congress to ensure we support Metra operations in Illinois and improve service for customers who depend on these trains running efficiently and safely.”
Photos of today’s meeting are available here.