Traffic
Illinois Metra Alert Today: Riders Must Sign Up for New System
CHICAGO, IL — Chicago area Metra commuters face an important change Thursday as the rail agency launches a new notification system and shuts down its existing email alert service. Riders who want to c
By Sophie Caldwell · 2026-11-05T09:47:24.939Z
CHICAGO, IL — Chicago area Metra commuters face an important change Thursday as the rail agency launches a new notification system and shuts down its existing email alert service. Riders who want to continue receiving train delays, schedule changes and other service updates must register again.
According to Metra's Nov. 2 announcement, the upgraded system launches Thursday, Nov. 5, allowing passengers to receive service alerts and real time train arrival information through text messages or email.
Existing subscribers will not be automatically transferred. Metra said privacy restrictions prevent customer information from being imported into the replacement system, meaning riders must create new accounts to maintain their notifications.
The change affects commuters throughout Metra's northeastern Illinois service network, including Chicago and surrounding Cook, DuPage, Lake, Will, Kane and McHenry counties.
The new service is available through MetraTracker.com , where riders can create an account by selecting "Subscribe" and entering their contact information.
Once registered, passengers can customize two types of notifications.
Service Alerts provide updates about delays, disruptions and operational changes affecting selected train lines.
Prediction Alerts deliver scheduled or estimated arrival times for upcoming trains at designated stations.
Riders can choose specific days, notification times and whether to receive updates by email, text message or both. Additional options include accessibility related notifications and systemwide service announcements.
Metra Executive Director and CEO Jim Derwinski said the upgrade improves communication by providing more timely information and introducing text messaging capabilities.
The system builds on improvements to Metra's GPS tracking and passenger information technology, allowing riders to follow trains on maps and view updated arrival estimates.
Commuters who rely on Metra notifications should register under the new system starting Thursday to avoid losing access to service alerts previously delivered through their My Metra accounts.