The six-month trial program is an expansion of the commuter rail service’s existing policy allowing small pets on weekend and holiday trains. The approach mirrors Metra’s rules for bikes on trains in terms of the specific times of day.<\/p>\n
Pets will be permitted on weekday trains arriving Downtown before 6:31 a.m. and after 9:30 a.m. and trains departing Chicago before 3 p.m. and after 7 p.m.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo 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,\u201d said Don Orseno, Metra’s executive director.<\/p>\n
Metra’s written statement issued Wednesday goes on to say that the expanded pet policy could become permanent after the six-month trial period. Additional details include:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Only small pets in enclosed protective carriers are allowed onboard.<\/p>\n
\u2022 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.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Carriers must fit in a passenger\u2019s lap or under the seat at all times.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Metra can remove passengers with pets that are noisy or disturb other customers.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Pet owners are responsible for the behavior and cleanup of their animals.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Service animals are allowed on all Metra trains at all times.<\/p>\n
The expanded pet policy follows a 2013 passenger petition asking that pets be allowed on trains. Metra went on to survey of the policies of other mass transit agencies found that many allowed small pets aboard their trains and buses.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
By Howard Ludwig dnainfo<\/p>\n
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Metra will allow pets that fit into a small carrier to ride weekday trains during off-peak hours beginning May 1. The six-month trial program is an expansion of the commuter rail service’s existing policy allowing small pets on weekend and holiday trains. The approach mirrors Metra’s rules for bikes on trains in terms of the … Continue reading Small Pets Allowed On Weekday Metra Trains During Off-Peak Hours Trial<\/span>