June 17--It's all aboard for pets on some Metra trains this summer.
The commuter rail agency's board Wednesday agreed to allow small critters in cages to ride with their owners on a three-month trial basis, but only on one line, the Rock Island, and only on weekends. Metra had hoped to start the trial in July but no date has been set yet.
"In light of the fact that other transit agencies, including the CTA, have the program, staff thought it advisable to try it out on Metra," spokesman Michael Gillis said.
If the test is successful, the pet policy could be expanded to other lines.
During a discussion in February, there was some hesitancy about letting pets on board, and officials said they wanted more input before making a decision.
Metra recently commissioned a survey of customers asking if they would be in favor of the pet pilot program. Of the more than 4,500 respondents, about 60 percent said yes.
A follow-up question asked whether the pilot, if successful, should be expanded to all lines on weekends only. That also drew a nearly 60 percent approval rate.
One concern that has been raised by the public and by Metra board members is the effect that animals might have on passengers with allergies.
Dr. Ruchi Gupta, an expert in allergy at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, said Metra ought to consider a way to keep pets away from sensitive people.
"There are a lot of people out there with a dog or cat allergy," Gupta said. "I do feel it is important that people who do have allergies to have a pet-free car."
Pet allergies are not severe or life-threatening, like a peanut allergy, Gupta said, but they can be annoying.
Dog and cat aeroallergens are found on the fur and skin and in saliva.
They can cause a combination of sneezing; runny or stuffy nose; coughing; chest tightness; shortness of breath and wheezing; watery, red or itchy eyes; skin rash; and hives.
Both animals are common triggers for people with asthma, she added.
"The reaction does vary from person to person," Gupta said. "Some people have a stronger reaction than others."
Metra's policy will limit interactions between pets and people.
Only small pets that can be hand-carried by the owner will be allowed on trains. The carriers must be held on the passenger's lap or beneath the seat at all times, without occupying a seat or obstructing the aisle.
"Pets should not be disruptive to other passengers due to factors such as noise, odor or aggressive behavior," the policy states. "Metra reserves the right to remove passengers with pets that disturb other passengers."
Metra already allowed on trains at all times service animals that provide assistance to people with disabilities.
The agency began considering the pet policy after receiving an online petition with more than 4,000 names in March 2014.
rwronski@tribpub.com
