By Chicago Times Magazine –

January 21, 2026

With a blast of arctic air forecasted to grip the Chicago region later this week, Metra officials announced Wednesday that the commuter rail agency will transition to reduced service schedules on all lines for Friday, Jan. 23.

The decision to scale back operations is a preemptive measure to ensure reliability as temperatures are expected to plummet. Under the modified plan, most lines will operate at service levels comparable to a typical Saturday or Sunday. Metra representatives stated that these schedules are designed to accommodate predicted ridership while strategically protecting the rail infrastructure. By reducing the frequency of trains, the agency hopes to limit the mechanical movement through railroad switch points, which are frequently prone to failure and service disruptions during periods of extreme cold.

Commuters should also prepare for longer commutes than usual. Metra warned that travel times will increase across the system due to mandatory speed restrictions. These safety protocols are triggered when temperatures drop below zero to protect the integrity of the tracks and rolling stock.

Metra is advising all Friday passengers to review the specific “severe weather schedules” currently posted on the agency’s website before heading to the station. While the reduced plan is the current baseline, officials noted that additional changes could be made if weather conditions deteriorate further. Passengers are encouraged to stay alert for platform announcements and monitor real-time service advisories at metra.com throughout the day.

In an effort to keep the system moving, extra personnel will be deployed across the metropolitan area for the duration of the cold snap. These crews will be stationed at key points to provide rapid response to mechanical failures and track issues as they arise.