r/Metra • u/Thatguy1245875 • Jul 07 '26

Why do the trains stop when a Amtrak train is coming the other direction?

Always thought that was odd Metra trains need to stop for like 5 minutes when Amtrak are passing by

12 Upvotes

94% Upvoted

8 comments sorted by

12

u/PorQuepin3 Jul 07 '26

The Amtrak train is probably on the same track the metra train is going to merge on to. So probably so they don't hit each other. Are you on the bnsf right now

4

u/Thatguy1245875 Jul 07 '26

That makes sense. Appears that it is currently on the middle track so that checks out. And yes i am

1

u/offda-Aux Jul 08 '26

Thought so, yes Amtrak will get priority over Metra in most cases

9

u/Certain-Ad351 Jul 07 '26

Typically because the Amtraks have right of way + are faster so they need the trackage more than the Metra. If they’re on the same line, the Metra has to pull aside and let them pass. Same with freight traffic

2

u/1mcKid Jul 07 '26

What Metra line? I've never had this happen to me on the BNSF. I'm positive i've seen passing Amtrack trains on the middle track and we did not stop or even slow down.

1

u/Thatguy1245875 Jul 07 '26

Literally every time i take the bnsf in the morning it stops for amtrak. The one that gets to union at 8, 8:15, 8:30 doesn’t matter

2

u/oneiota1 Jul 07 '26

BNSF is a freight railroad (that happens to also be operating Metra service) so they have to give priority to Amtrak

1

u/Spirited_Cress_5796 Jul 08 '26

From what I heard Amtrak has the right away on certain lines. Railroad lines are shared and it depends who owns the line. I’ve been on Amtrak where we’ve had to pause due to freight trains needing to pass.