Client: Cambridge Systematics, Inc.
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Project Sponsor: Northeast Illinois Regional Commuter Railroad Corporation (Metra)

Project Description
The objective of this study was to identify market opportunities for providing bus egress and access services to reverse peak and suburb-suburb travelers using Metra. The quantitative components of the project included analyzing data from various sources including Metra’s onboard ridership surveys, ridership counts, an employer database, employment forecastss and Census journey-to-work data. The qualitative elements included in--depth employer interviews designed to evaluate employer and employee interest in a feeder bus service linking suburban-based companies to surrounding Metra stations.

Role of Firm
As a sub-consultant to Cambridge Systematics, cmQue was responsible for developing an employer database and geocoding rideship surveys for the study. cmQue also created a GIS-based decision support tool that integrated census information, the employer database, and ridership surveys, for use in planning service enhancements and targeting potential rail passengers.