2012 Budget Book.indd - Metra

New Starts Program
Since its formation, Metra has remained focused
on its fundamental mission to preserve, modernize
and expand commuter rail service throughout the
six-county metropolitan region. Metra has consistently
made the investments required to enhance
system reliability, operational performance and cost
e ciency.
In 2006, Metra marked the successful completion
of three New Starts Projects: the capacity expansion
and extension of the SouthWest Service (SWS)
to Manhattan, the extension of the UP West Line to
Elburn and the capacity expansion of the North Central
Service (NCS). All three projects were completed
on schedule and within budget.
Four Metra New Starts projects were authorized in
the most recent Federal Transportation Act: the Safe,
Accountable, Flexible, E cient Transportation Equity
Act, a Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). Identi ed as
the Metra Connects program, the projects include
the Suburban Transit Access Route (STAR Line),
stretching from O’Hare Airport to Joliet: the South-
East Service (SES) Line, a new rail line serving southeastern
Cook and Will counties; the extension and
capacity expansion of the UP Northwest Line (UP-
NW); and infrastructure improvements to expand
capacity on the UP West Line (UP-W).
Three of the four Metra Connects projects (UP-W,
UP-NW, and SES) have completed Alternative Analysis
(AA) studies. The STAR Line AA is anticipated
to be completed in early 2012. In order for any of
these four projects to move forward into preliminary
engineering, the next step in the New Starts process,
it is necessary for Metra to develop a nancial plan
that can successfully demonstrate su cient capacity
to build, operate and maintain the expansions while
at the same time continuing to operate and maintain
the existing system.
In March 2011, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed
legislation establishing the Southeast Commuter
Rail Transit District. The creation of this entity allows
the local communities along the proposed line to
apply for public and private funds, acquire property
for stations and enter into public private partnerships
to build and maintain the line and its facilities.
It is an important step in demonstrating local commitment
to this new service. Metra will continue to
work with the District, especially to explore alternative
funding strategies for the proposed SouthEast
Service.
Status
The nancial demands on the existing Metra system
are considerable, but Metra remains committed to
exploring opportunities for system expansion, new
lines, extended lines, new stations and increased
frequency of service. In 2012, Metra will embark
on a strategic planning process. This exercise will
examine the capital needs of the existing system as
well as the costs and bene ts of system expansion
projects including the Metra Connects program and
other potential projects. These costs and bene ts
will be balanced against the nancial capacity of the
agency to help Metra’s Board of Directors and senior
management prioritize future investment and chart
a course for the future. Metra continues to work
with our regional and federal partners to actively
investigate and pursue alternate funding sources to
supplement our capital program and bring expansion
and enhancement projects to fruition.
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