Commuters in Chicago could soon be toasting the return of a favored feature from days past as Metra contemplates reintroducing bar cars with a contemporary twist to their transit trains, this time conceived as café cars. According to NBC Chicago, Metra Executive Director Jim Derwinski shared that the agency is exploring this possibility, fueled by rider feedback clamoring for the return of an onboard service to unwind or enjoy a cup of coffee during their commute.
Not simply a venue for alcoholic beverages, these cars could also dispense coffee and snacks; though it's currently undecided if alcohol will make a comeback and make their menu, the idea has already been put to the test with last month's "Commuter Coffee Rave" event that Metra claims was a major success per their post-event Facebook update, and they're now looking to expand this concept to more stations. As riders query about the bar cars' return, Metra gauges the audience's interests and needs before making moves forward; they also have to consider budget constraints and logistical challenges that such an undertaking entails, with recommendations awaiting board approval.
Some commuters, like Yekta Jamshida, interviewed by CBS News Chicago, are quite supportive of the concept, appreciating the convenience of grabbing a bite on the go, while others like Will Johns question if this is the right move when trains are already "pretty darn full." The concept is not just about meeting passenger comforts, but also part of a larger strategy to boost ridership, and by extension, Metra's revenue in a period where they have admitted the necessity of substantial financial support to maintain their current services.
Even amid financial straits and failed attempts by the Regional Transportation Authority at securing additional funds from the Illinois House of Representatives, Metra's experiment with a café car continues, with real-time operations that commuters can already sample. As the transportation agency awaits public feedback on this novel service, the viability of expanding these cars depends on balancing the novelty's appeal with its actual contribution to Metra's bottom line, while Sheri Fassl, a self-proclaimed long-time Metra rider, voices her enthusiasm, reminiscing over the former days of bar cars and looking forward to this new iteration of train travel amenities.
