The Star Line

The Metra STAR (Suburban Transit Access Route) Line will provide a new dynamic of mobility for residents, workers and visitors in our region. Introduced by Metra in January 2003, the STAR Line will become the first commuter rail line in northeastern Illinois designed specifically to address suburb-to-suburb commutes. Instead of serving as a route to downtown Chicago like other traditional commuter services, the STAR Line utilizes the EJ&E railroad corridor to provide north-south service to a direct connection to the northwest suburbs and other existing Metra commuter lines.

From a Lake County perspective there is a proposed leg that moves through Long Grove and over in a general curve towards Waukegan. I was unable to find a map of the Lake County section but was able to find this map.

The proposal for the South portion of the Star line is much further along, however to bring the planning process along there needs to be a coalition of Lake County Communities to jump start the thought process. I know Mayor Maria Rodriquez of Long Grove has been interested in involving herself in moving this forward, and I would whole heartedly support this process as a vital component in improving the regions transportation options.

The STAR Line connects the Northwest Corridor, an existing residential and employment center, with the rapidly growing corridor along western Cook, DuPage, and northwest Will counties. Running along the Northwest Tollway from O’Hare Airport west to the Prairie Stone development in Hoffman Estates, the STAR Line will provide a direct connection between Arlington Heights, Chicago, Des Plaines, Elk Grove Village, Hoffman Estates, Mount Prospect, Rolling Meadows, Rosemont and Schaumburg. From Hoffman Estates, the STAR Line will follow the EJ&E south to directly connect Aurora, Bartlett, Elgin, Joliet, Naperville, Plainfield, and West Chicago with the Northwest Corridor. The STAR Line also provides the opportunity for future expansions along the EJ&E into the growing south suburbs in Cook and Will counties and the north suburbs in Lake County, thus making it the first truly regional transit system for the suburbs.