Metra allows pets on trains July 4th weekend

Pets are allowed to travel with their owners on the Metra Rock Island line starting Saturday, as part of three-month trial period.

Pets are only allowed on the Rock Island line only on weekends during the trial period. Only small pets will be allowed and must be in carriers that can sit on the owner's lap or go under the seat.

Metra can remove passengers with pets that are noisy or disturb other riders. Owners are responsible for pet cleanup.

The Metra Board of Directors approved the trial program in response to being presented with a petition asking the board to consider changing the rules. Metra officials have also surveyed other transit agencies and determined that most have rules for small pets. In addition, Metra said many of their riders support a plan.

One of the biggest concerns is allergies, officials said.

At the end of the three-month trial, Metra will assess how the experiment worked and then make further determinations.

Service animals are allowed on the train at all times.