Metra Cafe Car Makes Debut In Chicago Area: When Will It Come To Your Metra Line?

Metra has debuted its prototype cafe car, and the transportation company is hoping to hear from Metra riders on what they think about it.

The cafe car is being rotated among most of the Metra system's busiest lines in Chicago this fall. The cafe car is a railcar with café-style seating, counters and tables that "offer a new way for riders to relax and connect during their trip," according to Metra.

Metra removed the second level on one half of a car to create the cafe car, and installed counters, stools, booths and tables. The interior has also been decorated so it feels a bit different from the average Metra car, according to Metra.

The cafe car made its debut on the Rock Island line on Sept. 30, Oct. 1 and Oct. 2, and then will be parked at LaSalle Street Station on Oct. 6. Riders can view the car and offer their feedback in an onboard survey, and riders who complete the survey will receive free snacks and beverages, according to Metra.

The car will be available on the following lines in the coming weeks:

• The BNSF line the week of Oct. 13
• The Milwaukee District North Line the week of Oct. 20
• The Milwaukee District West Line the week of Oct. 27
• The Union Pacific North Line the week of Nov. 3
• The Union Pacific Northwest Line the week of Nov. 10
• The Union Pacific West Line the week of Nov. 17

The specific schedule for each line can be found here.

“We created this special car in an attempt to improve the riding experience and maybe attract new riders,” said Metra CEO/Executive Director Jim Derwinski. “This is your chance to check it out and tell us what you think. Would you use it? What amenities would you like to see? What other thoughts do you have?"

You can get more information on the Metra website.