NATO Summit Could Shut Down Metra Service

By aaroncynic in News on Apr 12, 2012 8:20PM

Metra officials are still in closed discussions with the Secret Service on whether or not rail lines will be affected during the NATO summit in May. Heightened security concerns could mean reduced service or even a shutdown of the lines below McCormick Place. Metra’s Electric Line, the South Shore Railroad, Amtrak and other commuter trains coming out of the south suburbs and Northwest Indian would be impacted.

The Chicago Tribune reports Secret Service spokesman George Ogilvie said “We’re still looking at a two to four week time period to outline the transportation plan. We’re still working on that plan to minimize the impact on the public.” Metra CEO Alex Clifford told the Trib that officials do not know what to expect, and the secrecy of the matter is because “the last thing you want to do is tip off the bad guys on what your strategy is.”

As the final day of the summit is a Monday, up to 18,000 commuters could be affected by any changes in service. Finalized plans are expected to become public at the end of April.