Definition
Mokena station is a commuter rail station on Metra's Rock Island District line located in the village of Mokena, Illinois, United States.
Overview
The station serves passengers traveling between Chicago's LaSalle Street Station and the far‑south suburbs of the Chicago metropolitan area. It is situated at the intersection of 135th Street and Mokena Road (Illinois Route 43). The facility is part of Metra's Zone D fare structure. As of the 2018 Metra ridership report, Mokena station recorded an average of approximately 442 weekday boardings, ranking it 106th among Metra's 236 non‑downtown stations. The station is staffed during peak periods and is equipped with ticket vending machines.
Etymology/Origin
The station derives its name from the village of Mokena, which itself is believed to originate from a Native American word meaning “turtle.” Accurate information about the precise linguistic source is not confirmed.
Characteristics
- Platforms and Tracks: The station has two side platforms serving two tracks of the Rock Island District main line.
- Accessibility: Mokena station is ADA‑compliant, featuring ramps and tactile warning strips.
- Parking: A surface parking lot with approximately 400 spaces is available for commuters, with a daily fee structure administered by the village.
- Facilities: Sheltered waiting areas, lighting, a public address system, and bicycle racks are provided.
- Service Frequency: During weekday rush hours, the station is served by 12 inbound and 12 outbound trains; off‑peak service is reduced to 4 inbound and 4 outbound trains. Weekend service is limited to a handful of trains each direction.
- Connections: No direct bus connections are listed; however, nearby Pace suburban bus routes operate within a short walk of the station.
Related Topics
- Metra (Chicago’s commuter rail system)
- Rock Island District Line
- Mokena, Illinois (the host municipality)
- Commuter rail transportation in the Chicago metropolitan area
- ADA accessibility standards for public transit stations
All information presented reflects publicly available data from Metra and local governmental sources as of 2023.