‘I think we’ve got a hit’: Metra riders love café car idea — what’s the next step?

Except for St. Patrick’s Day parade trips, you don’t often hear spontaneous merrymaking on Metra trains.

But when the agency debuted a prototype café car with free refreshments this fall, that’s exactly what happened, said one rider who praised the “random, loud bursts of laughter of people connecting.”

Another passenger surveyed by Metra noted, “love the idea, and love the option of being able to grab a coffee or snack when I need it on the train.”

Based on the positive reviews received during a two-month rollout, “I think we’ve got a hit,” Executive Director Jim Derwinski told board directors at a recent meeting.

So what’s next? Metra will form a working group that includes representatives from the business community to develop a plan to present to the board for a vote, Derwinski said.

The café car was loosely modeled after Metra’s long-gone bar cars. But alcohol isn’t a given on the new version, although coffee, pastries, wine, beer and soft drinks were ranked among the top amenities commuters wanted.

The model café car was built by Metra crews and ran on its seven busiest lines as well as making appearances at downtown stations.

To create a more relaxed environment, workers removed part of the second level, then installed counters, stools, booths and tables.

Surveys of riders showed 98% said they would recommend the café car to friends and family, and 94% would pay for drinks and snacks.

Nearly 60% of participants said they would visit the café car one to two times a week, and 26% intended to make purchases every week.

The prototype car received an average 4.6 rating out of 5 for look and design, and a 4.5 score for space and comfort.

Other feedback included:

• “I think making Metra a more casual and soft experience would be nice. Taking it five days a week can be a drain when just sitting in the same crowded spaces.”

• “Hang up some nice artwork of Chicago in the car and you’re set.”

• “Partnering with Dunkin’ Donuts or Starbucks, perhaps would solidify the success of these cars.”

The top five items passengers wanted on future café cars: more seats, television, informational content, news feeds and music.

But one rider warned, “keep the vibe focused on engagement with others — human interaction. The vibe will be ruined if you put a TV in there.”