Metra exceeds goal for on-time trains in October

(Ron Cogswell/Flickr)

SUN-TIMES MEDIA WIRE - Metra hit its monthly on-time performance goal with record numbers for October.

During October, 97.4 percent of trains were on time, which exceeded the average of 95.7 percent for the past five years in the same month, according to a statement from Metra.

Metra considers a train to have operated on time if it reaches its final destination within five minutes of its scheduled arrival, Metra said.

In October, 456 of 17,314 trains were tardy by six minutes or more, Metra said. The most common cause for delays was track construction, signal switch failure, mechanical issues and freight interference.

“We are pleased to report that we have met our on-time performance goal for the 20th consecutive month,” said Metra Executive Director Don Orseno. “As we get ready for the winter months ahead, we remain committed to working as hard as we can to deliver our customers to their destinations safely and on time.”