Metra investigating air pollution inside cars

Metra will begin testing diesel soot emissions in three Chicago stations and inside passenger train cars on every line following reports of high levels of toxins in the cars long after leaving the station.

Following published reports that raised questions about the level of emissions inside train cars and on platforms, Metra has hired an independent firm to begin testing on Monday.

Metra is forming a task force to investigate the problem and to propose new ways to improve air quality on and around the trains, according to a statement.

“What we didn't know is that when the doors close on the trains, the level of the emissions goes up and remains that high for the duration of the outbound trip,” said Metra spokeswoman Judy Pardonnet. “That's what we will be looking at specifically.”

The task force currently being formed will look at the ventilation systems at Chicago Union Station and Ogilvie Transportation Center, the air filtration system on trains and whether there are cleaner alternative fuels available, according to Metra.

“We are going to have to look at a number of different angles,” Pardonnet said. “Is there a way to direct emissions away from the trains? Is it out filters? Is there high quality filter we should be using?”

Pardonnet said the biggest problem is the ventilation of Union Station, where the fumes are being trapped inside rail cars.

She said Metra is working closely with Senator Richard Durbin's office to attempt to get grants to help the company move forward with changes.