In the News

News Sun, September 8, 2006

A local transportation coalition hopes to improve reverse commute options for Lake County employees with the addition of a new early morning train heading outbound from Chicago.

The Lake County Commuter Coalition, made up of transportation agencies, business groups, municipalities, elected officials and the TMA of Lake-Cook, is drumming up support for grant funds to finance the project.

If the funding is approved, commuters could see a new 6 a.m. train from Chicago through Lake County on Metra's Union Pacific North Line by Jan. 1, according to state Sen. Susan Garrett, D-Lake Forest.

"If the grant is approved, Metra is ready to go," Garrett said.

Increased road congestion and other factors are making it harder for employees to reach job destinations the northern suburbs, Garrett said. A Metra train leaving Chicago about 6 a.m. would have employees at their jobs in the Waukegan area by about 7 a.m., which Garrett said is a new starting time for some businesses in the area.

The estimated cost of the additional train is $500,000.

The coalition is working with Metra to apply for a Job Access Reverse Commute (JARC) grant from the RTA, with support and matching funds to be secured through the state.

The group is now seeking help from Lake County businesses. Letters of support will be required to document the need for the earlier train, Garrett said. Any business that would like to participate should Garrett by phone at (847) 433-2002 or by e-mail at ilsenate29@sbcglobal.net.

Metra is also supporting the effort.