[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1278]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         RECOGNIZING METRA COMMUTER RAILROAD'S 40TH ANNIVERSARY

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                        HON. JONATHAN L. JACKSON

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, December 16, 2024

  Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate 
Metra, the commuter railroad serving my constituents in Chicago, on its 
40th anniversary.
  Forty years ago, commuter rail operations largely relied on private 
railroads. However, due to inflation and the emergence of alternative 
transportation options, funding decreased significantly, and riders 
threatened to discontinue their use of commuter services. To address 
this issue, voters approved the creation of the Regional Transportation 
Authority, which established the Northeast Illinois Railroad 
Corporation to directly operate the trains. When the Rock Island and 
Milwaukee Road railroads went bankrupt, a new rail division was created 
to provide subsidies that kept the trains running and passengers on 
board.
  As Metra faced a fragmented system of commuter rail operations, it 
acquired the Metra Electric and Illinois Central Gulf in 1987, 
ultimately taking over the operations of the Heritage Corridor, 
SouthWest Service, and North Central Service--marking the first new 
commuter line in Chicago in 70 years.
  Today, Metra continues to subsidize operations on four lines owned 
and operated by freight railroads. After 40 years, Metra has become the 
fourth-busiest commuter rail system in our country, consistently 
providing reliable and essential transportation services to my 
constituents.
  Earlier this year, I was pleased to assist Metra in securing federal 
funding for the Morgan Street Bridge Replacement project. This funding 
will replace the current timber rail bridge, built in 1974 as a 
temporary solution, with a new steel bridge. This upgrade will reduce 
maintenance needs and enhance safety and reliability for nearly 7.34 
million annual riders.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating Metra on its 40th 
anniversary. I look forward to continuing our partnership to ensure 
Metra's success for many years to come.

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