Metra releases plan to prevent crowding at Union Station this winter

A series of weather-related delays left Metra riders frustrated and Chicago Union Station overcrowded last winter. Now that the bitter cold is creeping back into the city, Metra has proposed a plan.

The commuter rail organization laid out three scenarios to handle massive crowds during the evening peak period at Union Station on Wednesday. Rather than following these "rules," it might be a better idea to head across the street to the Chicago French Market at Ogilve Transportation Center to pass the time.

1. If the BNSF, Heritage Corridor and SouthWest Service lines all suffer disruptions, commuters would be encouraged to wait in the Great Hall and access to the South Concourse would be restricted.

2. If all three lines are disrupted and the Great Hall is closed, commuters would be directed to a corridor or loading area nearby and the West Jackson Boulevard entrance would be closed.

3. If the BNSF is the only line that is disrupted, SouthWest Service and Heritage Corridor riders would be allowed to enter the South Concourse and BNSF riders would be directed to staging areas.

Metra noted that the plan is reliant on the assistance of passengers, which is a pretty big contingency. Good luck to any officials at Union Station attempting to flock thousands of freezing commuters during subzero temperatures.