Metra Commuter Rail Computer Upgrade

Level-1 modernized Metra’s IT environment with durable Dell systems, enabling efficient, reliable, and future-ready commuter rail operations.

Metra, the commuter rail division of the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), plays a vital role in keeping the Chicagoland region connected. With 11 rail lines, 242 stations, and over 1,200 miles of transit routes, Metra serves 6 counties and supports nearly 2 million daily riders, making it one of the largest and most efficient commuter rail systems in the United States. 

As part of a system-wide modernization effort, Metra initiated a major upgrade to its communications infrastructure, a foundational step toward improving operational efficiency, interdepartmental coordination, and real-time responsiveness across its expansive network. 

To support this effort, Level‑1 Global Solutions was selected to deliver a custom computing solution that would replace Metra’s aging fleet of desktop and laptop computers with powerful, durable, and maintainable hardware tailored for transportation use cases. 

What We Delivered 

• Procurement and delivery of four distinct Dell desktop and laptop models tailored to support Metra’s updated communications platform. 
• Three hardware configurations per model, each engineered to accommodate different roles from field technicians to dispatch operators ensuring a performance fit for every user type. 
• All systems supplied with a minimum five-year parts availability guarantee to support extended lifecycle servicing and reduce operational downtime. 
• One-year full warranty for all devices, including free replacement and repair of defective components. 
• Comprehensive service manuals for every device, enabling Metra’s internal IT teams to conduct installation, configuration, troubleshooting, and maintenance with minimal reliance on outside support. 

By aligning Metra’s technology environment with the requirements of a next-generation communication system, Level‑1 helped lay the foundation for more responsive transit operations and secure digital collaboration across the agency’s departments. These upgrades will serve Metra’s mission of providing safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible commuter rail service for years to come.