BNSF Railway and Metra have officially signed a new agreement to extend commuter rail services on the BNSF Line in the Chicago area. This deal secures long term operational continuity for one of the region’s most critical rail corridors.
The new agreement continues a long standing transit partnership that originally dates back to 1983. It features an initial five year term that begins on April 1, 2026. Following this initial period, the contract includes an automatic five year extension provided neither party opts out bringing the potential total duration to 10 years.
Under the terms of the renewed deal, BNSF will continue to operate commuter trains using its own crews. The service will run seven days a week on Metra’s busiest route, which connects downtown Chicago directly to Aurora.
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Jim Tylick of BNSF highlighted that the railway is proud to continue the decades long partnership, noting that the agreement strengthens a relationship built on collaboration. Jim Derwinski, CEO of Metra, echoed this sentiment, stating that the two organizations will keep working together to ensure residents receive safe, reliable, and fast rail service.