Bicycles: Metra Rules & regulations for bicycles - 2008
GENERAL POLICIES:
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1. Individual cyclists must be at least 16 years old. Riders aged 12 through 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
Children under 12 are not permitted.
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2. Only three bicycles per ADA car on each diesel train will be allowed in designated priority seating areas; two for each equivalent Electric car. For 2008 the following number of bicycles can generally be accommodated per train:
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Union Pacific North, Northwest & West Lines
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12 bicycles
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Milwaukee North & West Lines
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9 bicycles
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Rock Island Line
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9 bicycles
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Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway
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6 bicycles
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North Central Service
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9 bicycles
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Southwest Service
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9 bicycles
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Metra Electric
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8 bicycles*
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* All Electric cars are accessible; bike capacity
varies by number of cars per train.
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3. Standard bicycles not exceeding 70 inches in length will be permitted. Tricycles, tandems, trailers, bulky
attachments, training wheels or powered bicycles are prohibited.
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4. There is no additional charge for bicycles.
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5. Train conductors will make the final decisions regarding the ability to accommodate bicycles on each train. All
cyclists must follow instructions of Metra train crews.
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6. Train crews are not required to assist with boarding bicycles; their primary responsibilities are for passenger
safety and assisting those with disabilities.
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7. The wheelchair lift will not be used to load or unload bicycles.
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8. Cyclists must be considerate and allow all passengers (including those with mobility devices) to board and
alight before carrying their bicycles on or off the train.
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9. Cyclists may be required to leave the train if ADA space is needed for boarding passengers with disabilities.
If cyclists are required to detrain prior to destination, passengers who purchased an on board cash fare will be
given a refund by the conductor who issued same. Passengers riding on One-Way or Ten Ride tickets will have ticket
returned with the following notation "Good for One Additional Ride."
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10. Bicycles cannot block aisles or impede passenger movement. Cyclists must stay in the vicinity of their bicycles
at all times.
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11. In case of evacuation, bikes will be left on the train, clear of aisles and doors.
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12. Metra makes no assurances that space will be available for bicycles on designated bike trains (including late
hour trains). Cyclists will be accommodated on a first come, first serve basis.
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13. Bicycles are permitted on all weekday trains arriving in Chicago after 9:30 AM and leaving Chicago before 3:00 PM and after 7:00 PM, and on all weekend trains, with the following exceptions:
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- Blues Fest (Weekend only - June 7 - 8)
- All days during Taste of Chicago (June 27 - July 6)
- Independence Eve Fireworks (July 3)
- Venetian Night (July 26)
- Lollapalooza (August 1 - 3)
- Air & Water Show (August 16 & 17)
- Jazz Fest (Weekend only - August 30 - August 31)
BICYCLE STORAGE & CONDITIONS:
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14. Bicycles must be kept clean and free of dirt and grease while aboard Metra trains. Bicycles that present a
hazard to other customers or Metra facilities are prohibited.
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15. Bicycles must be secured to the lower rail of folding seats in the priority seating area with long bungee cords
(approximately 36" recommended) or other devices supplied by the cyclist which adequately secure the bicycle.
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16. Folding bicycles in protective covers are permitted on all trains at all times but should not block train
aisles or doorways.
Baggage: It is not possible to check baggage on Metra
commuter trains. Also, because of space limitations, skis, non-folding carriages and other large items cannot be
transported.
Pets: Only service animals assisting customers with disabilities are permitted on trains.
Standees: Every effort is made to provide enough seats,
but occasionally, due to fluctuations of traffic or changes in
travel habits, some standing occurs. There may be seats
available elsewhere on the train. When all seats in your car
are occupied, a trainman can advise whether seats are
available elsewhere on the train.
Holidays: Sunday schedules are in effect on New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Lost Tickets/
Refund Information: We're sorry, but no
refund or replacement ride will be permitted when tickets have
been lost, destroyed, stolen or unaccounted for on the day of
travel. For refunds on unused or partially used tickets, consult
a ticket agent at the downtown station. Refunds are based on
the date they are received by the agent, or, if mailed, the date
of the postmark. Refunds cannot be made on any ticket past
its period of validity. Mail refund request to: Metra Revenue
Accounting Dept., Attn.: Refunds, 547 W. Jackson Blvd.,
Chicago, IL 60661.
Lost Articles: Neither the contract carrier, Pace, Metra nor
RTA assumes responsibility for articles left on trains, buses or
at stations.
| Union Station | 312-322-4269 |
| Union Pacific | 312-496-4751 |
LaSalle St.
Rock Island | 312-322-8957 |
| Metra Electric | 312-322-7819 |
A few considerations to make everyone's Metra experience more pleasant:
- Smoking is not permitted on Metra trains nor on downtown terminal platforms in the city of Chicago.
- No seats are reserved. Please do not inconvenience
other customers by holding seats or blocking seats with
parcels or wraps.
- Please refrain from placing feet on seats or upper deck railings.
- Please don't block the doors, making it difficult for
passengers to detrain or entrain at their stations.
- Please be considerate of others and keep volume on
head sets low.
- Please also be considerate of others while using cell phones.
- Help us maintain a clean environment by not leaving
litter on trains, in stations, or in stairwells and walkways.
- Passengers whose conduct is disorderly or unsafe will
not be allowed on the train.
- Obscene language, or that which is disturbing to other
passengers is prohibited.
