The Chainlink

How to take bike on Metra train? logistics?

I'm considering taking my bike on the Metra - Union Pacific West line from the Ogilvie Train Station to visit some friends in Elmhurst, instead of them having to come pick me up at the train station.  I've taken the trip before (on foot), but never with a bike in tow. I was wondering about the logistics, like:

At Ogilvie, what is the best way to get the bike from street level to the train tracks? Do I have to come in a specific entrance?

Do I have to look for specific train cars that will can take bikes?

I'm a little anxious about it, so any tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

 

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Permalink Reply by T.C. O'Rourke on May 19, 2011 at 12:42am

There is a automatic style handicap accessible entrance off of Madison, I belive it is the door furthest west.  It is easier than wrestling with a manual door, but not required.

 

Take the elevator to the west of the escalators.  It is somewhat hidden.   If you can't find it, look as if you are going to ride the escalator with your bike; one of the friendly security agents will be happy to indicate it's location via screaming.

 

The train cars that can carry bikes are indeed marked with a sign-- a white bike on blue background.  They are the handicap accessible cars.  Fold up the row seating, park your bike parallel and secure it with a bungee cord.  Be sure to bring a bungee-- this is part of the policy.

 

I would highly recommend arriving early and boarding the train at the earliest possible time to ensure getting your bike on.  There are limits to the total number of bikes allowed, but these are generally not enforced.  Getting on & situated first just simplifies things. 

 

Be sure to get up well before your stop, to ensure nobody has blocked your bike in with thier own.

 

Finally, double check that bikes are permitted at the date and time you are traveling.  Bikes are banned during in-bound am rush hour and outbound pm rush hour and on various dates where events have increased ridership.

 

http://metrarail.com/content/metra/en/home/utility_landing/riding_m...

 

 

 

Permalink Reply by Gin on May 19, 2011 at 8:15am
re: when you can bring your bike on Metra, check out this neat tool developed by Steven Vance: http://www.stevevance.net/metra/
Permalink Reply by Jared on May 19, 2011 at 8:32am
Alternatively you can take the Blue Line to Forest Park and ride the rest of the way.  The Prairie Path starts in Maywood a few miles west of the Forest Park terminal.  Not as quick but your not tied down to a train schedule nor do you have to wait in line to buy a ticket.
Permalink Reply by igz on May 19, 2011 at 8:52am
def buy your ticket BEFORE you get on the train.  they charge you like an addditional $1000 for buying it on the train.
Permalink Reply by Joel on May 19, 2011 at 8:54am

If you see a person bringing a bike on after you, it doesn't hurt to ask when they are getting off so you can reorder the bikes right then -- before it becomes a last minute crisis.  

T.C. O'Rourke said:

Be sure to get up well before your stop, to ensure nobody has blocked your bike in with thier own.

 

 

Permalink Reply by millenial removing Bernie tattoo on May 19, 2011 at 9:00am


iggi said:
def buy your ticket BEFORE you get on the train.  they charge you like an addditional $1000 for buying it on the train.

Weekend Pass you can buy on train for no additonal charge from any station.
Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on May 19, 2011 at 2:41pm

This is what I usually do.  I sit near my bike and ask people their destination, so we can get the bikes in departure order, with the earliest station closest to the aisle.  It makes life much easier at the other end.

Metra rules require that you attach your bike to the fold-up seats.  It's not always enforced.  Some conductors will ask you before you board if you have a bungee cord and won't let you get on without one.

 

Designated cars don't always have bike stickers on the outside.  If you look for the wheelchair symbol, that will get you to the right car, then a sticker in the vestibule will indicate which end of the car.  These cars have larger windows than the older cars.

 

If you are short, it can be challenging to lift the bike on and off the train at stations with lower platforms.  Regardless of height, panniers or other heavy stuff attached to the bike can make it tougher, too. It may be easier to detach those items and load or unload them from the train separately from the bike.

 

0Joel said:


If you see a person bringing a bike on after you, it doesn't hurt to ask when they are getting off so you can reorder the bikes right then -- before it becomes a last minute crisis.  

T.C. O'Rourke said:

Be sure to get up well before your stop, to ensure nobody has blocked your bike in with thier own.

 

 

Permalink Reply by igz on May 19, 2011 at 3:13pm

tho sometimes it gets like this...

Permalink Reply by MagMileMarauder on May 19, 2011 at 3:27pm
Wow Iggi, I have yet to experience that number of bikes. Is that a Ravinia train on a  Saturday and 75 degree sunny weather day?
Permalink Reply by igz on May 19, 2011 at 3:32pm
this is an everyday inbound rush hour milwaukee west line at about 500pm. 
Permalink Reply by Sue Clark on May 19, 2011 at 4:07pm

I used to take CalTrain...the bike car was definitely a nice bonus. I miss that.

 

I've had Metra conductors get really picky about the bungee, although I was able to use my cable as a substitute. Sometimes they're also really picky about which car, so if there's one around, you might ask which car they prefer for the bike.

Permalink Reply by Cathi Odtohan on May 19, 2011 at 4:19pm
Thanks for all the tips, especially the pictures! Very helpful; I totally forgot about entering at 2 North Riverside to cut over to Ogilvie. Sort of dreading the potentially packed Saturday train coming back into the city w\bike in tow. eek. Oh... for a bike car...

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