Metra installs charging stations downtown Chicago

CHICAGO (AP) - Suburban Chicago's commuter rail agency is providing passengers a place to charge their electronic devices at four downtown train stations.

Metra announced Monday it has installed charging stations in waiting areas at Millennium, Van Buren Street and LaSalle Street stations and the Ogilvie Transportation Center.

A charging station also is expected to be installed in the waiting area at Union Station in coming months.

Metra CEO Don Orseno says the new amenity is "a good business decision" because riders have told the agency that having access to their mobile devices is important.

The charging stations were made using staff and resources from Metra's rail yard shops. The agency estimated the total cost was between $6,000 and $7,000.