What is the STAR Line?

The 55-mile Suburban Transit Access Route, or STAR Line, is the first of its kind suburb-to-suburb transit line extending from the Joliet area to O'Hare International Airport. The STAR Line would go beyond providing service to a single corridor or portion of the suburban area, but rather, initially connect nearly 100 communities and enhance Metra's hub-and-spoke system of rail passenger service by linking the entire suburban community.

Why is this project necessary?

Population and job growth projections demand we plan for the future. One out of eight people in this region live within five miles of the proposed STAR Line and one-fifth of the region's jobs are in this area as well. The STAR Line is critical to the future of our region and to keeping our business environment strong while providing transportation options for commuters.

How will the STAR Line be funded?

Metra is currently seeking funding under the latest transportation bill, Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), to implement and launch the STAR Line. Additional funding will be sought under the next federal multi-year transportation authorization, anticipated to begin in late 2009 or after.

In November 2001, through the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) transportation bill, Congress awarded Metra three Full Funding Grant Agreements for major new service projects. That funding led to the recently completed improvements on the North Central Service (NCS) and extensions to the Union Pacific West (UP-W) Line and the SouthWest Service (SWS). New service began on these lines in January of 2006, on-time and $50 million under budget.

Our success under TEA-21 gives Metra confidence it will be successful in moving the SAFETEA-LU New Starts projects forward through the federal process to further expand service in your community.

Similar to our past New Starts projects, state money will be a necessary component of the overall funding package. Also, local funds to be put toward parking and community stations will be needed, as it has been with other infrastructure improvements.

How would the STAR Line make Metra's transportation network more efficient?

The STAR Line would allow for eventual seamless connection points to four existing Metra lines that feed the city of Chicago and the suburbs, including the NCS, UP-W, BNSF, and Milwaukee District West (MD-W) lines, marking a new day for inter-suburban transportation and giving motorists along congested roadways an alternative to driving.

How would this project address future transportation needs?

Through the STAR Line, Metra would establish key transit connections through the northwest, west and southwest suburbs and even offer an important base for extending suburban rail service in the future. The potential exists to extend service in later phases east from Joliet, north from Prairie Stone at Hoffman Estates, north and south along the Illinois Route 53/Interstate 290 corridor and to link O'Hare and Midway airports to meet future transit needs.

What are the benefits of the STAR Line?

Transit provides many times the people-carrying capacity of a road in much less space, adding significant transportation capacity to congested corridors without bulldozing communities to make way for more lanes. Many more residents can travel with less pollution generated, improving the impacts of growth on air quality and public health.

How would the STAR Line benefit the business community?

The STAR Line would provide greater access to the growing regional labor pool, safe and reliable transportation for employees, improved transport of goods and streamlined transportation between O'Hare and DuPage airports. Additionally, the STAR Line would connect key business centers in the region and attract new businesses eager to take advantage of access to a new high-quality transit line.

What state/federal guidelines are being followed?

Before Metra can implement any new service or expand existing service, projects must undergo several feasibility and environmental studies to ensure all federal and state guidelines are met. Metra must comply with the federal New Starts process which requires documentation and rigorous studies to justify these commuter rail alternatives best address the transportation needs and issues within the corridors. The first step in this process is called Alternatives Analysis.

What is Alternatives Analysis?

Alternatives Analysis is a bridge between systems planning, 'the idea,' and Preliminary Engineering (PE), 'how to build it.' It's where local, regional and federal governments work together to identify the transportation issues within a corridor, define the purpose and need for the transportation improvements, and develop and evaluate potential transportation alternatives to meet that need.

Although several of the communities along the proposed project corridors are undertaking, or have already completed, some studies of their own, Metra is mandated by law to take the proposed projects through an entire roster of studies, or Alternatives Analysis. Continuous public involvement and any information previously generated by the communities is an important part of the overall analysis, and Metra plans to build upon the data generated from these studies.

What are the next steps in this process?

Metra anticipates completing Alternatives Analysis for the STAR Line in 2009. Following, Alternatives Analysis, Metra will undertake an Environmental Impact Statement. Engineering and construction will follow. See the updated timeline for more details.

What type of technology would be used along the route?

Metra is studying the use of Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) technology on the SouthEast Service and STAR Line. This modern technology differs from Metra’s traditional vehicles in that the DMUs are self-propelled and have the ability to pull multiple coaches. DMU technology provides improved fuel efficiency, better acceleration, and greater flexibility compared to traditional commuter rail operations.

How will commuters be kept informed?

Metra will continue to keep commuters informed via our Website at www.metraconnects.metrarail.com.
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Will Metra hold public meetings about the STAR Line?

Metra held conduct public meetings on each of the New Start projects, giving the public an opportunity to offer their input. A first round of public meetings were held in June 2006, and the boards and presentations for those meetings as well as the comments received at those meetings are found on the materials page. Metra anticipates holding its next round of public meetings in summer 2009.

How can I support the STAR Line?

We encourage you to support this project by staying involved and voicing your support to Metra and your elected officials. Public comments will be taken both through the above Website as well as at public meetings for the study.

When will a decision be made?

Based on feedback from the public and from state, federal and local agencies, Metra will select a Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA). Metra expects to submit the LPA to the Federal Transit Administration by September 2009.

If approved, how long will this project take to complete once construction begins? Planning, Engineering and Environmental phases of the project are slated to be completed in 2013. Construction could take 4-5 years after that.

If approved, how long will this project take to complete once construction begins?

Planning, Engineering and Environmental phases of the project are slated to be completed in 2011. Construction could take 4-5 years after that.

How will the Canadian National’s proposed acquisition of the EJ&E affect the STAR Line?

Metra is working with the CN and the Surface Transportation Board to ensure that the STAR Line and expanded freight operations can coexist in the same corridor.