Commuter Ops

Facts.. The purchase of service agreement between Metra and Union Pacific expired in June. This was extended through December, the same as it has been done in the past, while negotiations take place. Typical of negotiations, Union Pacific is looking to increase the dollar value of the contract while Metra claims it can be done cheaper and more efficiently under their control. Posturing will ensue while they both try to get what they want. Much of the negotiation hinges on state funding that Governer Pritzker has earmarked for transportation, which hasn't arrived in the bank yet.