Metra gives a tails-up to small pets on trains

Yapping is not appreciated, but well-behaved small pets in carriers are welcome on Metra trains every weekend, officials agreed Wednesday.

The decision finalizes a successful pilot project that started in the summer on the Rock Island Line and expanded to all Metra lines for a trial period in October.

"Overwhelmingly, people like pets on trains," Executive Director Don Orseno said. "It hasn't caused any problems."

Conductors had no dog or cat fights to report during the pilot. A rider survey had 81 percent out of 290 responses supporting pets on trains, and 177 people said they would take trains on weekends more frequently if animals were allowed.

Three people have contacted Metra with concerns about allergies.

The pet push started in 2014 after Aurora resident and dog owner Rena Church organized an online petition that had more than 4,000 signatures on it.

Metra Chairman Martin Oberman said the move was part of the agency trying to listen to "consumer needs."

"I'm old enough to remember when there were smoking and nonsmoking cars on trains, and when there were bar cars," Metra Director John Plante said. "Historically, in the railroad industry, we regulate certain things. ... We need to keep an eye on it that's all."

"I do think we should prevent pets from drinking in the bar car," Oberman quipped.

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.

Director and Lemont Mayor Brian Reaves who has said previously he doesn't think pets are appropriate on planes or trains cast the sole "no" vote.