Change the World
Well, I don’t mean the whole world – actually quite a small bit. Specifically the policy that doesn’t allow pets in small carriers on the Metra commuter trains that connect Chicago to its suburbs.
The photo above is of Sid was getting ready to hop inside his travel bag while at the airport last year. Most airlines allow small pets in the cabin as long as they stay inside an approved carrier during the flight. Same goes for all the buses and subterranean & elevated CTA train lines in the Chicagoland area. Somehow the Metra commuter trains, which connect the suburbs to the city, opted for a no pets period policy. Plegh. That’s a lot of P’s.
All of my family live in the suburbs and most of them are within walking distance from a Metra train stop. So if Sid and I want to visit them we have to rent a car, which for one is expensive, and, more importantly, defeats the purpose of living in a city with a great public transit system. We don’t want to contribute to auto traffic congestion – we want to ride the trains!
After doing a little research, I came across an online petition that had been created earlier this year by a like-minded individual who was looking for the exact same thing that Sid and I were looking for: a change to Metra’s pet policy to allow small pets in carriers (like everyone else!).
I know many of you do not live in Chicago, but if this issue hits home at all – perhaps the same type of policy exists in your city – please sign the petition. The more places we can bring our furry companions the better, right? THANK YOU!
Tags: Metra, Sid, travel, travel bag
September 23rd, 2013 at 4:52 pm
I cant believe they are not allowed in carriers thats like the longer distance trains around here no pets on amtrack for instance. Very silly. Honestly I wish big dogs were allowed I feel bad I cant bring Norbert and Bob on trains. We are definitely signing
urban hounds
September 23rd, 2013 at 4:55 pm
Same policies exist here in SF Bay. Pets are not allowed on light rail unless they are service dogs or small pets in carriers. BUT that is left to the driver’s discretion and I have seen small pets booted off. BART also allows pets IN CARRIERS ONLY or service dogs. We got busted after the baseball game for not being in carriers. Finally the main train system: Caltrain only allows service dogs. I agree this is outdated. San Francisco has a pretty liberal take on most of these rules and pet owners can take their pets on Muni with or without carriers.
Sign the petitions when they come your way.
Love Noodles
September 23rd, 2013 at 6:22 pm
You got it!
September 23rd, 2013 at 8:59 pm
We don’t have anything like that here but we will sign!
hugs
Bailey, Hazel & Greta
September 24th, 2013 at 7:35 am
Don’t they realize that Handsome Sid is a magical being, not a “pet” at all? He should be allowed his own car on the train with unlimited treats.
We’ll sign.
♥♥♥
Meredith & Scarlet
September 24th, 2013 at 8:53 am
We signed it Sid. Where we live in iowa there is no transit just cars.
stella rose
September 24th, 2013 at 7:07 pm
There should totally be a pug clause in rules like this. Just silly. I will go sign it now.
Love,
Christy