Metra is bracing for July 3, its busiest day of the year, because of Chicago’s Independence Day fireworks display at Grant Park.
The commuter line is adding extra coaches and service throughout the day to accommodate an estimated 42,000 extra passengers, about a 15 percent increase over its typical daily load of 250,000.
On July 3, Metra will add extra coaches to all inbound midday trains, said Metra spokesman Tom Miller. Metra/Burlington Northern and SouthWest service also will be expanded. SouthWest will run an extra inbound train at 6:05 p.m. from Orland Park and one extra outbound from Union Station at 10:45 p.m.
Burlington Northern will run seven extra trains between 12:28 and 6:48 p.m. and will run extra outbound trains from Chicago between 10:30 and 11:30 p.m. In general, trains will leave the city on a “load and go” basis after the fireworks, Miller said. Final trains will run according to timetables, in most cases at 12:30 a.m.
Metra officials said riders will not be allowed alcoholic beverages on the trains after 7 p.m. Police officers will ride on each of the trains to deal with the extra passenger load.
Each train will have one coach designated for families only, Miller said. The commuter line reminds passengers that it has several reduced rate fare deals, including a “Family Fare” plan that runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day.