ryanch wrote:For those who only understand the situation based on the limited amount they read, I'm not just talking about Clybourn. Loads of trains were significantly late, and the website didn't show it. There are other stations without indoor waiting areas.
Under normal conditions, Metra will post delay information for trains if the delays exceed 15 minutes or so. The information includes the train number, a generic reason, how long the delay is expected, and if any other trains will be covering the schedule at particular stations en route, if applicable.
Under abnormal conditions, (i.e. our current winter) if severe cold and/or heavy snow is forecast with enough lead time (preferably 24/48 hours in advance), Metra tries to forewarn passengers of delays by posting "winter weather advisories", and to expect delays. For the record, Metra posted three of these in January; according to the email alerts I received, the postings originally appeared on 1/3, 1/22, and 1/24 (this last one read more like an unofficial response to the Trib article while advising of delays). Personally, I don't necessarily agree with this generic, "catch-all" method of pre-advertised delays because it's more of a "CYA" thing and also because most folks don't bother going to the website until the day of travel. Besides, it's my opinion that most folks tend to ignore that post anyway.
Yes, Metra dropped the ball on posting line-specific delays on that brutally cold day, and with the traffic the website received that day, the timing of that glitch couldn't have been worse. Fair enough. But at the same time, it's unfair to insinuate that Metra doesn't post delays at all...