August 20, 2026 - BNSF.com - Susan Green, Staff Writer -

As a freight railroad, we can move just about anything. But we also help move people by supporting commuter rail.

This continues a tradition that started with our famed predecessor lines many decades ago. Travel patterns have changed, but BNSF still works with commuter rail lines in three locations on our network. Today’s riders mainly choose commuter rail because of convenience and economics, and others prefer it as a sustainable transportation option.

Riders who commute by rail in Chicago had some good news earlier this year when BNSF came to an agreement with public transit agency Metra to extend commuter rail service for another 10 years.

In addition to Metra, BNSF operates suburban train service in Seattle on the Sounder line and in Southern California with Metrolink. These metropolitan areas benefit from taking trains from the suburbs into the city and back, mainly during the work week.

“Like our freight trains that get goods from where they are to where they need to be, rail is a solution for getting people where they need to go,” said Jim Tylick, BNSF’s assistant vice president of passenger operations.

Commuter railroads operate on BNSF lines when they can be constructively shared and won’t negatively affect our freight service.

“BNSF strives to get commuter trains operating across BNSF territory to their destination on time, with a goal of 95% or better,” Tylick said. “It’s one that’s carefully balanced with BNSF’s passenger rail principles. Before any project is considered, a lot of study must be done, including considering future freight and passenger traffic growth.”

Read more: https://bnsf.com/news-media/railtalk/service/commuter-passenger-rail.html

Photo credit: BNSF Railway, Chicago METRA commuter service