Aurora Transportation Center
| Company type | Commuter rail and bus station |
|---|---|
| Industry | Transportation |
| Headquarters | Aurora, Illinois , United States |
Area served | Aurora, Illinois and surrounding areas |
| Products | Metra commuter rail services, Pace bus services |
Aurora Transportation Center
The Aurora Transportation Center stands as a significant stop along Metra's BNSF Line in Aurora, Illinois, situated roughly from Chicago Union Station, the eastern endpoint of the line. Located within Metra's zone 4 fare classification, Aurora is ranked 13th among 236 non-downtown stations, with an average weekday boarding count of 1,856 recorded in 2018. The facility includes a staffed station building and two side platforms that serve a pair of tracks.
Next to the station lies Hill Yard, a prominent coach yard utilized for storing Metra trains operating on the BNSF Line. Serving as a stub-track terminal, Aurora marks the conclusion of Metra services; nonetheless, Amtrak and BNSF freight trains proceed eastward on separate rail lines.
As the western endpoint of the BNSF Line, Aurora is connected to several Pace bus routes. It formerly functioned as a Greyhound bus stop until service ended in September 2011.
By April 29, 2024, the station is scheduled to accommodate 66 Metra trains on weekdays (32 inbound and 34 outbound) along with all 36 trains operating on weekends and holidays (18 in each direction).
History
The current station succeeded the Aurora Depot located at South Broadway and Washington Street. Constructed in 1922 by the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad, that depot ceased operations in 1986. It served both Amtrak and Metra trains until the opening of the Aurora Transportation Center. The original depot building was demolished in April 2013. Following this transition, Amtrak services were relocated to Naperville station, where they continue to run today.
Bus connections
- 524 West Aurora
- 530 West Galena/Naperville
- 533 Northeast Aurora
- 802 Aurora/Geneva via Lake