Metra riders could soon have a new place to relax during their daily commute—the transit organization is considering bringing back its iconic bar cars after nearly 20 years.
A brief history
Wait, wait—Metra trains used to have a bar on board?
That’s right! Until the 2000s, Metra trains included a bar car where commuters could grab a cup of coffee on their way to the office, and unwind with a beer or wine and a snack on the way home.
The bar cars were decommissioned in 2008, according to a report from NBC, after contracts on the service expired.
But thanks to popular demand, the cars could soon return—with a few changes.
Metra floats café car concept
According to a report from the Daily Herald, Metra is considering reviving the concept as a “café car.”
Metra Executive Director Jim Derwinski reportedly commented on the idea at a board meeting Wednesday, noting that riders have expressed a desire for the cars make a comeback.
While the café car concept could include refreshments, it’s unclear whether alcoholic beverages will return to the menu.
Metra reportedly plans to gather feedback on the café car concept from riders at local train stations over the coming months. If riders express widespread enthusiasm for the revival of the concept, a recommendation could be made to the Metra board.