I’m sure that title caused a few snickers.
I’m considering trying out the metra tomorrow from the burbs to downtown chicago. However, I have a job and I need to be there on time.
In your opinion, has the metra been reliable with being on-time or should I prepare for delays?
If delays are inherent, how long should I prepare for at the very worst?
In my experience, Metra is quite good at getting to places on time. In the 300 times or so I took it, it was delayed maybe 7 (with a dead body on the tracks twice, go figure), which isn’t too bad. In addition, most employers, at least in the Loop, are pretty flexible if they know you’re taking the train.
Still, it beats the hell out of driving in Chicago.
In my experience, the rush hour trains are usually (95% of the time) right on the minute, unless there’s a snowstorm. On the West Line, where they have to contend with a lot of freight traffic, maybe knock that down to 90%.
Non-rush and weekend trains are much less reliable; they do track work during the day, and with more stops, there are more things that can go wrong.
My husband took the train downtown for better than twenty years, from way back when it was still the IC line. He almost never had a problem with it. A few times for an accident somewhere, and a couple of ice storm things when the power line got messed up, but usually he got there and home without trouble. He had much more trouble with the PACE bus he took to the train station.
I’ve been taking it for 20 years. I can’t imagine why someone would drive if the train was a viable option. Guarantee it is more reliable than driving (no delays due to weather, road construction, etc.) Well, there is the ever-popular “switching problem”, but IMO no comparison to driving.
The one sure thing is that any delays will occur on the days that you absolutely have to be somewhere at a particular time! 
Metra keeps track of their timeliness and occasionally publishes it in their newsletter. Some lines are better than others. As said above, the W line deteriorated after UP purchased it, but is still plenty reliable. You could probably get their stats either on-line of via phone. But I would be very surprised if the worst lines hit 90%. I bet the average is upwards of 95%. (Not sure how many minutes they consider late). But you have considerable control depending on how
(BTW - at least a couple of other folks on the trains have jobs that they need to be at on time as well, and they seem to find it a workable system!)
I’d also say that the “rush hour” trains are about 95% on time. Switching problems, cars on the tracks (including the ones that don’t have happy endings) and weather can occasionally cause delays, but overall it’s not bad. Plus, if the train is late, the conductors’ have “excuse notes” you can bring to work saying why you are late. Sort of like a note from Mom to the principal!
My work has a program where they take a certain amount from your pay pre-tax and give you a Metra check at the end of the month so you can be sure to have the money available for a monthly pass.
Also, it’s a great way to catch a little nap, coming and going. Just try not to drool.