Looks like I may be transitioning back to a job downtown. I realize there's a waiting list for the Metra lots, but before I call the village and get the bad news (2, 3, 4 year wait?) -- is there any other Metra parking?

(Is there still a pay lot behind the library? When does it usually fill up? Is College Ave. at Wheaton any better in terms of daily parking spaces?)

I used to park in Montclair but gave up my pass several years ago.

Are the morning trains packed these days?

pay lot behind the library still exists. I usually catch the 7:17 am in and didn't have a problem in that lot. I waited 3 months for Montclair about 5 years ago; then waited til last December for the 'train' parking lot and got in last December. I believe there are separate waiting lists depending on whether you're in GE proper or not.

The ladies at the Civic Center were very nice about keeping me apprised that I was still on the waiting list, etc.

I currently sit toward the front two cars of the inbound train and I usually get one of the last seats - but rarely have to stand. 5:09 return seems crowded, 5:13 less so, but then the 5:34 and 6:10 pick up again. Good luck!

I usually take the 6:59 and while I've never had to stand, sometimes I have to walk through 4 or 5 cars to find a seat. The 5:34 at night is almost always packed, but it seems like the people standing are the ones who prefer it. If you want a better seat on the evening train just get to the station a few minutes earlier.

anyone else have Sheena Easton's Morning train song stuck in their head?

As always, bicycle parking is free at the station and just as close, if not closer than some of the parking spots.

I like Lombard station and even Villa Park.

Lombard used to be a lot easier to get a quarterly permit than it is now. They transitioned a couple of lots to Lombard resident parking only. But, the good news is - there is no waiting list for Lombard permits and you can always get a daily fee spot if you catch the 7:42 or earlier train.

For a permit, all you do is show up at the Village Hall/Civic Center/whatever it's called on the appointed morning as early as you can stand it (think about when you waited in line for concert tickets as a teenager) and get in line; the permits are sold first come first served. You can call the day before the permits go on sale to see how many are available; that way you can judge whether it's worth your while to be a bit late to work.

Also, for those that are watching their pennies, Lombard is in zone D, so about $10 a month cheaper than a monthly to GE.

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Also, for those that are watching their pennies, Lombard is in zone D, so about $10 a month cheaper than a monthly to GE.

Could actually be closer than GE's station for folks living in some areas. But don't those reviews always talk of the cost of driving per mile, based on gas, maintenance, depreciation, etc? Driving only a couple of unnecessary miles a day may convert that $10 into a false economy.

I've never had any difficulty getting a seat on any train I've taken, tho - as has been observed - you may need to avoid the front couple of cars.

Of course, I've got no qualms about asking folk to put their briefcases and feet on the floor, and move so as to occupy the one seat they paid for. Always find it curious why folks seem to think that the fact that they boarded the train one station before me entitles them to make me uncomfortable ...

The only time trains approach capacity is when one or more trains break down forcing their passengers onto subsequent trains, or when they run special trains before holidays.

I typically sit on the stairs coming home to avoid any and all human contact (and do the crossword)...but on the rare occasion that I do sit in a seat...I ALWAYS make it a point to seek out those who want to take the whole thing for themselves. I just love doing that.

Although I take the train a lot I don’t have to take it during peak times, hence finding a seat is really not a problem. However, the one time I had to stand was during the Christmas holidays and had the experience of holding a rather wiggly 2 year old for the entire trip while his mom (who also stood) managed the other kid and the stroller.

I'm on the 7:17 am train, in the last car and never have a problem getting a seat. Can't help with parking, since I'm able to walk to the station.

True about the distance. Depending upon where you live, you could be closer to Lombard, GE or College Ave. I'm in the SARC, so about equidistant between Lombard and GE (and the kids' childcare was in that direction anyway)

Thanks for all the comments. I suspect I'll be hoofing it to the station most days, but it's nice to know that if time it right, there may be parking available behind the library.

I rode Metra for 11 years until about a year a half ago. I definitely appreciate all the stories here about the seat-hogs. I, too, relished the moment when a seathog was asked to move his or her briefcase. I especially relished the accompanying sigh (or huff) when the briefcase was moved and plopped down where it should have been in the first place.

The thing that always riled me was the cell phone people -- especially the folks who would gladly read off their credit cards to order a pizza loud enough for everyone on the train to hear.