Metra announced that if Fluffy or Spot fit in a small pet carrier, they and their owners are welcome to ride on off-peak weekday Metra trains beginning May 1 as part of a six-month trial program.
Metra is testing an expansion of its pet program to include weekday off-peak trains. Previously, small pets were allowed on Metra weekend and holiday trains only.
The new pet policy will mirror Metra’s policy for bikes on trains in regards to the times of day that pets are permitted on board. Pets will now be permitted on weekday trains arriving in Chicago before 6:31 a.m. and after 9:30 a.m. and trains departing Chicago before 3 p.m. and after 7 p.m.
“We’re pleased to be able to make this adjustment to accommodate more of our riders who want to be able to use our service to transport their pets,” said Metra Executive Director/CEO Don Orseno. “So far, our pet policy has been successful. It just makes sense to test if we can expand it and make travel by train an even more attractive and convenient choice for these customers.”
Just as when the original pets on trains policy was introduced, Metra will evaluate the expanded policy after a six month trial period and decide at that time whether it will be made permanent.
Metra started exploring allowing pets on trains after it was presented with a petition in 2013. A survey of the policies of other mass transit agencies found that many allowed small pets aboard their trains and buses. Metra also consulted with its Citizens Advisory Board and surveyed its customers before the initial three-month pilot program began on the Rock Island Line in the summer of 2015. After expanding the pilot to all Metra lines in October 2015, a permanent policy was approved in January 2016 by the Metra Board of Directors.
In addition to the times when pets are allowed on board, pet owners must abide by the following rules:
- Only small pets in enclosed protective carriers are allowed.
- Carriers will not be allowed to take up seats or seating areas, obstruct pathways on trains or in stations and must be small enough to be carried on by a single person. Carriers must fit in a passenger’s lap or under the seat at all times.
- Metra reserves the right to remove passengers with pets that are noisy or disturb other customers.
- Owners are responsible for the behavior and cleanup of their pets.
Service animals are allowed on all Metra trains at all times.
