Chicago, IL – Metra riders on the BNSF Line to Aurora will soon see more trains and new express options, with service expansions set to begin Monday, Sept. 8.
According to Metra, the new schedule will add two inbound express trains during weekday mornings and two outbound express trains during evening rush hours. The inbound trains will run from Lisle to Downers Grove before continuing express to Chicago, while the outbound trains will serve routes from Chicago to Congress Park and Fairview Avenue, with another express option to Downers Grove before making all stops to Aurora.
The agency is also adjusting its reverse commute offerings. Train #1268 will depart Aurora at 3:40 p.m., running as a semi-express to Cicero with key stops in between. Several smaller stations, including Clarendon Hills, Hinsdale and Berwyn, will instead be covered by Train #1312, departing Fairview Avenue at 4:12 p.m.
Weekend service will expand as well. Metra plans to add four additional trains, increasing inbound service between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. and outbound service from 8:30 a.m. through 12:30 a.m. Riders will also gain a new late-night express option to Downers Grove, departing Chicago at 10:30 p.m. The weekend schedule will remain consistent on both Saturdays and Sundays.
Metra noted that further minor schedule changes will affect other trains across the line. Updated timetables are available on Metra’s website.
The expansion follows months of feedback and ridership studies, with Metra officials saying the adjustments are designed to reduce crowding on express trains and improve travel flexibility. The BNSF Line is one of Metra’s busiest commuter corridors, serving thousands of riders daily between Aurora and downtown Chicago.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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