At Issue: Metra CEO Jim Derwinski Shares Planned Transportation Improvements

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Photo credit (Craig Dellimore/WBBM)

CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The new Capital Construction program that Governor Pritzker has signed into to law is going to mean some major upgrades for the Metra commuter rail system and its passengers.Jim Derwinski, Metra’s CEO and executive director, said that with capital money and bonding the rail line would like to replace just about all of its train cars and plenty of diesel locomotives. Derwinski said gas tax revenue in the state’s Capital Construction program will help his agency buy new passenger cars. Half the current carriages are more than 40 years old.

A new computer system like the CTA is coming to Metra stations, he added, enhancing communication between passengers and trains. Derwinski said the capital program will also include station upgrades, restored bridges and more passenger friendly technology.Metra Director Jim Derwinski is the guest on our At Issue program this weekend and you can hear more of his thoughts Sunday at 9:30 a.m.  and 9:30 p.m.