by amm in ny
In another forum here, BNSF and UP operation of commuter rail in the Chicago area was touted as an example of (profit-making) freight railroads taking the responsibility for "running passenger trains."
I realize I don't know what the relationship is between Metra and BNSF and UP, and the Wikipedia article on Metra doesn't say much beyond "under contract" for 4 of the 11 lines.
To what extent do BNSF and UP take responsibility (and the risk) for running a commuter service, and to what extent do they just run trains when and where Metra tells them? Who owns the rolling stock and the commuter-specific infrastructure (stations, etc.)?
If this is something that has been discussed before, could someone point me to the thread(s)?
Thanks!
I realize I don't know what the relationship is between Metra and BNSF and UP, and the Wikipedia article on Metra doesn't say much beyond "under contract" for 4 of the 11 lines.
To what extent do BNSF and UP take responsibility (and the risk) for running a commuter service, and to what extent do they just run trains when and where Metra tells them? Who owns the rolling stock and the commuter-specific infrastructure (stations, etc.)?
If this is something that has been discussed before, could someone point me to the thread(s)?
Thanks!