Metra OKs pet pilot project on Rock Island line
Yorkies yes. Irish wolfhounds no. Metra directors voted 8-2 Wednesday to allow small pets in carriers on the Rock Island Line for a three-month pilot project.
At the end of the trial, the board will decide whether to expand to all lines.
"We're a public body and we're supposed to represent the public," Chairman Martin Oberman said. Metra has received a petition endorsed by more than 4,000 people to allow pets on trains, and its citizens advisory board supports the idea.
"We owe it to the riders to try it," Director John Plante of Wilmette said.
The program permits cats and small dogs in carriers on owners' laps or under seats. The pilot will start July 4.
"This applies to pets that fit in carriers," Director Norm Carlson of Lake Forest said. "We don't want our conductors to be referees."
"No Irish wolfhounds," said Oberman, a former wolfhound owner.
Rena Church of Aurora began the petition drive months ago and hopes to bring her small dog on the BNSF Line in the near future.
"I can't wait," she said. "This will bring a whole new group of riders."
Metra Director and Lemont Mayor Brian Reaves loves his two dogs but didn't agree with bringing them on board trains or planes.
"I'm not a fan of having cats or dogs next to me on a plane," the frequent flier said.
Metra citizens advisory board member Ray Campbell of Glen Ellyn said he initially had reservations but was convinced Metra had done its homework.
Campbell said he wondered if people with allergies would be bothered but noted, "I would hope with the length of Metra trains, this would be mitigated."
Metra's rules require that pets cannot be disruptive to other passengers because of "noise, odor or aggressive behavior."
The agency allows service dogs at all times.
Reaves and another skeptical dog owner, Director Romayne Brown of Chicago, both voted against the pilot project. Brown said she worried about people with allergies being troubled.
Metra planners surveyed other commuter rail agencies including Boston, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. Twelve allowed riders to travel with small pets in carriers and had received minimal or no complaints.
"I don't think we'll see hordes of animals on the trains," Oberman said. "I think it will be a handful at most."