Starting in just a few weeks, Metra train riders boarding in Kenosha headed towards Chicago will be able to bring some pets on board. The Metra Board of Directors voted Monday to expand their "Pets On Trains" program to include the line that serves southeastern Wisconsin. 

“We are pleased that the test on the Rock Island Line went well and that we can now offer this option to all of our customers,” said Metra Executive Director/CEO Don Orseno. “It’s in Metra’s best interest to offer a program like this that serves our riders and, for some, makes travel by train an even more convenient choice.”

Starting October 10th, pets will be allowed on all weekend trains as long as riders comply with these policies:

• Only small pets in enclosed protective carriers are allowed.
• Carriers will not be allowed to take up seats, seating areas or obstruct pathways on trains or in stations and must be small enough to be carried on by a single person. They must fit in a passenger’s lap or under the seat at all times.
• Metra reserves the right to remove passengers with pets that are noisy or disturb other customers.
• Owners will be responsible for the behavior and cleanup of their pets.

The expansion of the program runs until January 2016, when Metra will assess how it is working. Service animals will continue to be allowed on all Metra trains at all times.