Convenient Location, Inconvenient Experience
The Northbrook Metra station gets the basic job done--it will get you to and from the city. However, the experience is consistently riddled with frustrations that make it a less-than-ideal starting point for a daily commute.
First and foremost, the parking situation is a nightmare. While the $1 fee is a great deal, it's almost impossible to find a spot on a weekday between 8:30 AM and 4:00 PM. I've circled the lots multiple times only to give up and drive to another station. A significant portion of the lot is also reserved for Northbrook residents only, which is a major drawback for anyone coming from a neighboring town.
Don't expect the trains to be perfectly on time, either. Delays of 5-10 minutes are common, which can be just enough to throw off your morning schedule. The service from the staff is also a toss-up; some are perfectly pleasant, while others can be curt and unhelpful, especially during busy times. I've also been caught off guard by the confusing ticketing system when the main window is closed, nearly missing a train and getting hit with an onboard surcharge.
The station itself is clean and having a heated waiting room is nice, but those small comforts don't make up for the core issues of unreliable parking and punctuality. It's a functional station, but be prepared for a few headaches. read more