http://www.suntimes.com/24975208-761...e-hearing.html
Updated: January 16, 2014 2:22AM
The chairman of the RTA Wednesday ordered a “post-mortem” on weather delays endured by Metra train riders last week, while lawmakers scheduled a hearing on the same topic.
The double-whammy of scrutiny erupted just as Metra had seemed to have put the buzzsaw of controversy surrounding the up to $871,000 buyout of its ex-CEO behind it.
But last week’s Chi-Beria of a cold snap and snowstorm brought Metra complaints to the forefront again......
.......However, weather-related problems lingered into this week, when UP and other riders experienced “shortened” — and packed — trains while winter-damaged cars were being repaired. Even Orseno conceded that when shortened trains are jammed with riders, conductors are unable to maneuver through them to collect fares.
By Wednesday’s evening rush hour, UP was contrite. Conductors on the UP-North line read to passengers an apology about last week’s weather-related delays and this week’s shortened trains that caused crowded cars.
Contributing: Fran Spielman
Email
rrossi@suntimes.com
Twitter @rosalindrossi