Metra Has An Electric Line? | Metra's Electric District

Hello and welcome to Homewood, Illinois! Today we are going to be riding backup to Chicago on Metra’s Electric corridor, Metra’s Only electrified line.
Trip Information
Train Number: Metra Electric District 826
Consist: Three Nippon Sharyo "Highliner 2" EMUs
Departure Time: 5:54pm
Arrival Time: 6:49pm
Journey Time: 0 hr 55 min
Ticket Price: $3.25
Thanks for watching and I hope you enjoyed!
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Coach Class:
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Marlo Fairhurst
Arthur Sievers
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Sam Jennings
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- Chapters -
0:00 Hello and Welcome to Homewood, IL!
0:14 A Brief History and a Look at the Station Building
1:10 Homewood's Railroad Park
1:57 The Station Building is Closed?
2:30 Down to the Sketchy Tunnels
3:06 A Much Nicer Platform
3:25 Amtrak's Homewood Platform
3:36 Why Does Metra Have an Electric Line?
4:46 Southbound Train 823 Arrives
5:16 Canadian National's Mainline Comes Alive
6:21 Our Train Arrives Back in Homewood
6:55 Cab Views!
7:16 The Route to Chicago
8:00 An Almost Immediate Stop in Calumet
8:11 Seating on Metra's Electric District
9:16 No Ticket? No Problem!
9:29 The Incredible Cab Views from Highliner 2s
9:58 147th Street Station Demolished
10:18 Little Calumet River
10:34 South Shore Line and Blue Island Branch Meet the Mainline
10:44 Stats for Nerds!
11:55 These EMUs Can Really Fly
12:12 Bathrooms on Highliner 2s
12:52 The Final Miles into Chicago
13:43 Into the Tunnels Below Millennium Park
14:13 Disembark at Millennium Station
14:23 Randolph Street Station
14:49 A Brief Look at Millennium Station
15:07 Next Week: NS International First Class!
15:26 Subscribe! And Check Out the Patreon!
15:53 Thanks for Watching!
Equipment:
Camera: iPhone 12 Pro Max
Gimbal: DJI OM5
Camera: GoPro Hero 9 Black
Camera: Sony AX-43
Mic: Rode Videomic Pro+
Tripod: Coman DF06 + Manfrotto 502 Head
#Metra #TripReport #amtrak

[@LonestarTrips]

I realized after the video went live that I misidentified the locomotives in the CN move. They are both GE locos, not EMD. I have no idea how I’m my research I got it mixed up, but I apologize nonetheless.

[@jenniferteffner9907]

And that freight move with the two Illinois Central SD70’s was still a CN train, CN just hasn’t bothered to repaint those units

[@JJRol.]

This shows why we should electrify more commuter lines! iirc this is the most frequent metra line, although the BNSF line has higher ridership

[@Jeff-uj8xi]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJ-kZKeuqth6is0

[@92xsaabaru-]

If I remember correctly, the electrification occured after the wealthy lake shore residents along Michigan Avenue complained about all the smoke from the steam commuter trains. Also the downtown sections of track were originally on a trestle before the Chicago fire and the right of way, millennium park and all of the public lake shore were created by landfill with fire debris.

[@VestedUTuber]

Just one slight correction, it's not that Metra wouldn't run electric power if they didn't have to, it's that Metra operates on a very tight budget and uses whatever is cheapest to set up and operate. The Metra Electric district was already electrified, so they chose to run EMUs due to their low maintenance and lack of reliance on fuel. Whereas on the other lines, diesel was the cheapest option in the short term as they wouldn't have to electrify those routes. If they didn't want to run electric power they would have ran their F40PHs on this route like they do on every other route.

[@Mergatroid]

Slight correction: a lot of Metra gallery cars do have power outlets. Some even have USB ports as well. Metra has been refurbishing much of their rolling stock and adding them, just not the old Pullman or Budd gallery cars. Also that's unfortunate that they wanted you to take your camera down. I've never had that experience and as far as I know you ARE allowed to film out the front like that.

[@HRHolm-bi6zu]

Um, we're talking about the powering *of* the trains here, bunky, not what power outlets are *in* the trains. Pay more attention.

[@HeavyRayne]

@@HRHolm-bi6zu You must be slow or something because their correction is accurate. Some of Metra's non-electric cars have outlets now. Don't be snarky while being wrong; it makes you look foolish

[@HRHolm-bi6zu]

@@HeavyRayne *I* look foolish???? Excuse me, but terms like 'pantograph', 'horsepower', 'EMUs', 'traction motors', and train speed (all used in this video) do not exactly refer to 'power outlets' or USB ports *in the cars* for use by passengers. Even a second grader nowadays could tell you that. (But obviously, you didn't even make it to nursery school.) Even the video title includes the term 'Electric Line'. That ain't exactly referring to what you plug your shaver into to groom yourself on the train, slick. As though anyone should even be doing that.

[@Brycel307]

@@HRHolm-bi6zu 8:52

[@Mergatroid]

@@HRHolm-bi6zu stop trolling and watch the video lmao

[@jackchen7003]

The Metra Electric line is truly one of the most unique passenger line in the USA. Not many electrified commuter rails exists outside of the NEC with the exception of the South Shore Line in Indiana, RTD in Colorado, and the soon to be electrified Caltrain in San Francisco, CA.

[@youtubesewersocialist]

The LIRR and Metro-North are mostly electrified. Some NJ Transit lines too

[@youtubesewersocialist]

Don't forget the LIRR and Metro-North (for the most part)

[@nolantherailfan5048]

@@youtubesewersocialist and all of septa

[@SalmanMentos]

​@@nolantherailfan5048those are all connected to NEC

[@TheMrPeteChannel]

Isn't Amtrak California going all electric?

[@thephantomeagle2]

Having lived in Chicago for a year in the early 90s, south suburb, I would often go to the platform on that line and just watch trains. I've always loved the Electric line since, having no street crossings, means many more trains than the other lines in Chicago, which have upwards of 11 cars. Millennium Station is a far sight better than it was before the renovation, that's for sure. Yeah, it's all underground with low ceilings, but it's still much prettier than the old one.

[@0fficialdregs]

MY FAVORITE LINE!!!!

[@mcain2911]

Wanted to give a quick hello. I’ve checked out some of your content and decided to subscribe.

[@Griff13Trains]

Great video as usual! But those two General Electric "GEVOs" make for some funny looking EMDs

[@00Zy99]

The reason that the upstairs not being baggage-friendly is not regarded as a problem is because the overwhelming majority of people are not expected to have luggage-they have at most a briefcase for their trip to the office. Yes, its really antiquated. But hopefully, they WILL do something about it, possibly with the next generation-which, admittedly, won't be for a few decades since they just replaced the fleet. The reason the 2014 cars are of such an antiquated design is because they are expansions of a batch purchased 10 years earlier, in 2004, when modern digital systems were not yet available, at least not at the scale, reliability, and price necessary. The cars were built to a 1985 Caltrain design. Caltrain, Metra, and VRE went in on the order together to get economies of scale. Even if VRE could have gone for a more modern design, it was cheaper to do it this way.

[@ER_ProductionsRailz]

Nice trip! Metra did have an electric line!

[@Robbi496]

Also, the tunnels are closed for about a year for renovation

[@101southsideboy]

the homewood metra and AMTRAK stations art just south of the CN Markham Yard and is high on the list of recommended sights to watch trains in the Chicago metro area

[@tyhik9338]

My favorite metra line

[@sandy8040]

I've been taking Metra Electric for 30+ years but get on at Matteson. Can't get over that Homewood has vending machines!

[@00Zy99]

Also, the ME District may seem slow, but apparently, it just got a new supervisor who wants to modernize. He asked about the 65 mph speed limit. It turns out, that it was determined by the braking capabilities of the original 1920s Illinois Central EMUs! Needless to say, this restriction no longer applies, and a series of upgrades are planned, which will eventually increase the speed to 90 mph, which will really put things in order. The catenary will need some tweaking, but it is apparently doable. I believe that this is what they call inertia and a lack of drive, probably due to institutional depression-decades of inadequate funding means that they have a hard time thinking beyond the proverbial next meal.

[@joshuafajardo5697]

University Park meets South Chicago @ 63rd

[@appalachianenthusiast9499]

It's Melectric, it's Melectric, it's Melectric, SO MELECTRIC! ⚡️

[@karlepugh2956]

Yes the Metra Electric (or the old folks call it the Illinois Central or the IC) along with the catenary cousin the South Shore are electricfied Has been like this for 100 years

[@harvey2465]

Metra Electric began as a Illinois Central rapid transit and rebranded and funded as a “suburban” service.

[@0fficialdregs]

yup

[@nellyrichardsin1590]

And a sticker for camera for a front car of the train

[@MrJamieBattle]

Must be METRA Day today :)

[@Skyflte]

Another train vid Another BANGER as always. I learned a ton more about trains since I started watching your videos. I hope you reach 10k subs soon my guy! you deserve it.

[@SuperDave30]

I love Chicago Metra commuter trains

[@LonestarTrips]

I have a love-hate relationship with Metra. I love how vast their network is, and how frequent trains are, but I hate that they refuse to electrify anything.

[@SuperDave30]

@@LonestarTrips I knew Metra had electric trains i was trying figure out where their station is since they don’t run At Union Station.

[@LonestarTrips]

@@SuperDave30 yeah this route is a little out of the way just because it operates out of Millennium instead of Union.

[@SuperDave30]

@@LonestarTrips gotcha 😉

[@92xsaabaru-]

​@@LonestarTrips I read they were thinking of electrifying the Rock Island district (one of the few lines they own) but they're perpetually underfunded.

[@jessicaburdell7779]

Nice catch on the fellow female conductor on the CN

[@planecrazydoge5240]

the metra electric is my favorite metra line.

[@TrainSounds]

Also the Highliner 2s have AC Traction motors

[@anitrain]

Fantastic video. I wanted to ask what suction cup and other gear did you use for your gopro mount on the front window? I've been looking to do something like that myself but am unsure what would work well. Your's seemed very sturdy. Thanks!

[@LonestarTrips]

I just use the standard GoPro suction mount. I've never had any issues with it, and it sticks super well to glass and most smooth plastics. I do recommend getting a swivel mount in addition to the suction cup, as the forced perpendicular perspective can be quite restricting. One thing I definitely want to add to my kit that you may be interested in is a magnetic mount. I've had a few in mind, but haven't pulled the trigger on any. Hope this helps!

[@Bacon47SuperSakura]

Guys look! It's the METRA cab car but it's an electric train now!

[@user-gm5mc8jh5d]

You seem very interested in the floor of the train cars.

[@HRHolm-bi6zu]

*All* of the Metra lines should have originally been built and equipped for electrically-powered trains. It is really Metra's most urgent overall need. There was a plan proposed for electrification around 1970, I remember, but of course it went nowhere, unfortunately. But now the cost would be almost prohibitive. So we are stuck with the diesel Toonerville trolley of commuter rail systems.

[@Jeff-uj8xi]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJ-kZKeuqth6is0

[@ncard00]

4K60fps quality please! Also, most US trains look so old, cold, uninviting, grey, and boring, glad they're all getting replaced now, well, Amtrak's fleet at least, do like Brightline, and add bright, inviting, warm colours instead.

[@montyb10009]

So you've never been here then.

[@sgt.eclair]

i genuinely do not understand your hate for stainless steel. it's shiny and looks cool

[@tankman_tv9332]

@@sgt.eclair gallery cars suck tbh, the design is so flawed in every way and its so outdated.

[@maas1208]

Stainless steel are much better at handling graffiti

[@maas1208]

​@@tankman_tv9332 They are Unique tho

[@kevinsmith5288]

Great video! Having lived in Philadelphia for many years, and riding sections Septa's vast electrified network, I guess I just assumed Chicago's Metra would be the same. Thanks!

[@MLPMaverick89]

It appears that your set has 4 units. Very rarely have I seen Metra run only 3 cars, especialy on the main line.

[@coolreader18]

I never thought about catenary cables being an uncommon sight outside the northeast corridor - I've always been so used to seeing the metra electric and south shore overhead cables as a given in Grant Park and next to the Indiana Toll Road on family drives to Michigan

[@101southsideboy]

one major error the amtrack station does not sale Metra train tickets There are vending machines at every station .

[@guy_called_Odin]

A quick note/correction: Those two CN Units are NOT EMD. They (3983 and 3128) are both General Electric (GE) products. There are EMD products right before that though. Those two Black Illinois Central units (now wholly owned by Canadian National) are EMD SD70 Standard cab designs. Known as "Death Stars" for the round Illinois Central logo that remains on the nose of the locomotive to this day.

[@graythewolf6096]

I don't think this series of highliner uses ge dc motors, I believe that applies to the first generation highliners that are now out of service. The new ones I believe use a Toshiba AC IGBT-VVVF propulsion system? Feel free to correct me, the information is quite difficult to find and im interested in finding out what they use. 🤔

[@LonestarTrips]

From what I could find, it looked like the GEs applied to the Highliner 2s as well as the 1s. I’ll see if I can find more about it though.

[@graythewolf6096]

​@@es-zw3mgNippon Sharyo's spec sheet on their website does not note the manufacturer of the propulsion for the Highliner 2, though it does note it uses a VVVF inverter system specifying 1C4M configuration. Toshiba's website claims they produce the propulsion system, and it is also noted in a motor and inverter catalog, though it does not specify details on the inverters used by metra in particular besides a picture noted on the top of the catalog. I would link these sources but as far as I know youtube doesn't allow links. I can however direct you to the Wikipedia article for the South Shore Line EMUs propulsion notes, and you should be able to find the source from there. I do have any website that has extra info on the inverter by Ebara express with recordings of the PWM patterns, though once again, I am unable to directly source it as far as I know

[@g-manonthego6678]

This was a nice video. However, I would like to make one comment: the Highliner 2’s use AC traction motors. The first generation of Highliners used DC traction. The catenary itself is 1500 volts DC, but the highliner 2’s use AC traction motors.

[@LonestarTrips]

Oh, I was unaware they used AC traction motors. It makes the most sense that they would, as they seem to be the industry standard. That being said, I couldn't find any documentation that mentioned the AC motors. Would you be able to point me to a source that says so? Thanks for the correction!

[@g-manonthego6678]

@@LonestarTrips if you find an article of when Metra first purchased the SD70MACH (sometime in 2018), it will mention that the Highliner 2’s use AC Traction.

[@IGuessIDoThings]

5:53 dude really just called the gevo an EMD

[@williamkesler2373]

Probably just misspoke and didn’t catch it during editing

[@Skyflte]

@@williamkesler2373 sometimes editing a vid like this takes longer than a train ride.

[@Robbi496]

Actually, only secondary trains stopped here until the late 40's, also, it was called simply the Seminole, no limited

[@LonestarTrips]

I’ve seen it referred to as both Seminole and Seminole Limited, including on IC documents from the era, so I think it’s safe to refer to it as either.

[@Robbi496]

@@LonestarTrips I trust you. but even my 1941 Official Guide calls it ony The Seminole?

[@LonestarTrips]

@@Robbi496 They must’ve changed the name slightly at some point, because the documents I found are from the 1910s, and refer to it as the Limited.

[@henryostman5740]

Before the late 40s railroads could either electrify a branch with frequent commuter traffic or use steam power, the latter was more costly due to routine engine maintenance, crew needs, and relatively frequent stops for water and coal. The arrival of the diesel locomotive provided a third alternative that was cheaper than either of the first choices since electrification had high initial costs of building the overhead and also a lot of expense in maintaining it, plus they had to buy the electricity at a time when diesel was almost dirt cheap. While diesel is no longer cheap the cost of building overhead has increased manyfold and electricity is not cheap either and network electrical capacity and reliability is also an issue. Metra has a budget that is largely not funded by farebox revenue and they have to go to the legislature each year on bended knee asking for more and more. Going electric is not going to change that after the electrification is completed, a very very costly project itself, nor will it significantly improve service. Realize that every expensive MU car is a little locomotive with the maintenance that entails beyond the needs of a simple trailer car, and if they want electric locomotives they are significantly more pricy than off the shelf diesels. Commuter trains don't go very fast due to frequent stops and locomotives geared for freight generally are a good choice since they are good at getting things moving and also have the dynamic braking for stops, the only change needed is a separate generator for hotel power. Push pull operation allows the locomotive to be stationed at the yard end of the train out of the station proper.

[@AMRailfan11]

Both of the CN ET & ES class locomotives you saw are GE not EMD

[@AMRailfan11]

Other then that this is a great video

[@LonestarTrips]

I am aware, which is why I pinned a comment correcting it.

[@gregs2284]

"They didn't build it!" 4:00 And they won't have it long if they keep leaving tree branches growing over it...

[@nellyrichardsin1590]

Lonestar Why is there a speed limit of 65 mph but not 55 mph

[@LonestarTrips]

No idea. That's just what I saw on the signs down the tracks (see 3:58).

[@nellyrichardsin1590]

@@LonestarTrips also can you send me the color of panama orange

[@Ianchia860]

Metra is totally unique. I can't think of any other examples (outside SSL) that uses bilevel EMU

[@aleks1105]

What's up with you guys, American passenger trains. Why are they so dirty and full of dust. Me as a german this shocks hard

[@tankman_tv9332]

At least 70% of our *commuter* rail trains arent covered with graffity (greece were lookin at you)

[@timbacchus]

Tunnels are supposed to be scary .

[@user-gm5mc8jh5d]

What does METRA have to hide?

[@user-gm5mc8jh5d]

Some METRA stations are even worse than this. METRA does NOT have the operational abilities of CTA.

[@0fficialdregs]

"Strange line" All due respect, if you're going to insult one of my favorite railroads please save that for a patreon or whatever service because for the people who use it daily, like myself, it's very common and we enjoy the simplest of things.

[@LonestarTrips]

It’s not an insult? Strange in this case is meant as unusual or curious. I’m sorry if it came off as such, but it’s in no way an insult.

[@joshuafajardo5697]

Before Randolph Street 🚉, it was Great Central 🚉