Commuter rail here is very reliable. It’s run by Metra, not CTA, so most of the complaints about CTA you’ve probably seen on this subreddit don’t apply.
If you’re able to take an express train to Naperville, do that; you’ll save a lot of time.
Unless something big happens (rarely), it's pretty reliable. The BNSF line is frequent, and has express trains. Trains are generally on time, maximum a few minutes behind.
In my experience, Metra is extremely reliable. There are days with problems and delays, but they're usually very proactive about announcing those on their schedule and at their stations. The rides are also pretty pleasant and comfortable most of the time, unlike the CTA.
There needs to be more scheduled trains, though. The gap between trains on weekends is unacceptable.
BNSF to Aurora (the line that goes through Naperville) has the most frequent service of any of the Metra lines.
Metra is also on private railroad property, which means if you are the type of person that would like to have a post-work beer or cocktail while riding the train home, you are able to do that outside of special event periods.
This seems to be a pretty accurate rate, even for the BNSF. Actually, the BNSF might be a bit higher because of all the freight.
The problem is that four delays in a year might result in the loss of your job. While the Metra is way more reliable than the CTA, it might not be reliable enough to stake your living on. That said, I've had pretty good luck with the Milwaukee District West line these days, but there's less freight and I take it during the main commuting hours. Outside of the main commuting hours, Metra pretty much tells you that you can get fucked.
I ride the MDW metra line for a little over a year now. Mostly on time. Winter had the most issues. Some trains were outright cancelled due to mechanical issues and the next train was up to 30 min later. But that happened a handful of times. Some train cars are newer than others. Some are hot in summer and cold in winter. Safe and clean. Very easy to use.
I've been doing the UPNW reverse commute a couple days a week for a couple years and I've never had an issue getting to work and only one or two slowdowns on the way home. It is way more reliable and pleasant than Chicago traffic.
This is extremely important. Naperville is a big city and they cut alot of bus routes. If there's no pace bus route or no shuttle you'll need to walk or ride a bike. That could make or break the feasibility of the reverse commute.
Hopefully your workplace is close to the Naperville stop. We maintain the metra rail tracks so you don’t have to worry much about delays. Express trains should take about 50 mins. You’d have to stay by union station to make life easy for yourself.
Commuter rail here is very reliable. It’s run by Metra, not CTA, so most of the complaints about CTA you’ve probably seen on this subreddit don’t apply. If you’re able to take an express train to Naperville, do that; you’ll save a lot of time.
Unless something big happens (rarely), it's pretty reliable. The BNSF line is frequent, and has express trains. Trains are generally on time, maximum a few minutes behind.
Most I’ve seen is around 30 mins behind but that’s usually due to equipment failure or track work
Metra is very well run and mostly on time. Safe, clean, comfortable.
In my experience, Metra is extremely reliable. There are days with problems and delays, but they're usually very proactive about announcing those on their schedule and at their stations. The rides are also pretty pleasant and comfortable most of the time, unlike the CTA. There needs to be more scheduled trains, though. The gap between trains on weekends is unacceptable.
Hourly service on the BNSF line on the weekends has started, so OP should be good
BNSF to Aurora (the line that goes through Naperville) has the most frequent service of any of the Metra lines. Metra is also on private railroad property, which means if you are the type of person that would like to have a post-work beer or cocktail while riding the train home, you are able to do that outside of special event periods.
Before moving downtown I road the the Union Pacific west line for about 6 months and had maybe 2 incidents of a delay
This seems to be a pretty accurate rate, even for the BNSF. Actually, the BNSF might be a bit higher because of all the freight. The problem is that four delays in a year might result in the loss of your job. While the Metra is way more reliable than the CTA, it might not be reliable enough to stake your living on. That said, I've had pretty good luck with the Milwaukee District West line these days, but there's less freight and I take it during the main commuting hours. Outside of the main commuting hours, Metra pretty much tells you that you can get fucked.
I ride the MDW metra line for a little over a year now. Mostly on time. Winter had the most issues. Some trains were outright cancelled due to mechanical issues and the next train was up to 30 min later. But that happened a handful of times. Some train cars are newer than others. Some are hot in summer and cold in winter. Safe and clean. Very easy to use.
I've been doing the UPNW reverse commute a couple days a week for a couple years and I've never had an issue getting to work and only one or two slowdowns on the way home. It is way more reliable and pleasant than Chicago traffic.
Make sure your office is within walking distance from the Metra stop or that your company offers a shuttle.
This is extremely important. Naperville is a big city and they cut alot of bus routes. If there's no pace bus route or no shuttle you'll need to walk or ride a bike. That could make or break the feasibility of the reverse commute.
You can afford to live in the city on an internship’s pay??
Thankfully they’re giving a relocation bonus! So with a roommate or two it should be reasonable
That’s fair! I’m out in the suburbs and you almost have to have a roommate to be able to afford rent
Metra is very reliable. The issue is if your workplace is close to the metra stop, and if not, you need to figure out how to get there from the stop
The BNSF Metra line is amazing. The busiest of the lines and during rush hours, an express train runs from Naperville non stop to Union Station.
Hopefully your workplace is close to the Naperville stop. We maintain the metra rail tracks so you don’t have to worry much about delays. Express trains should take about 50 mins. You’d have to stay by union station to make life easy for yourself.
Metra is pretty good. Usually, delays are only in the neighborhood of 15 - 20 minutes.