The Chicago Tribune reports that the busy Chicago area Metra commuter rail line will no longer be able to serve drinks in the trains "refreshment cars." Passengers are still able to bring their own alcoholic beverages onto the train except on St. Paddy's day and New Year's eve. There are a few reasons for this change in policy. Metra claims it only makes about $100,000 in revenue per year from these bar cars and they want to maximize the space since there is an increase in the number of people riding on trains these days because of high gas prices. Metra also says the counters and coolers in the bar cars block the exit doors and new federal regulations require these doors to be operational at all times for safety reasons.
For many commuters, they consider this their happy hour after work to enjoy and unwind while they travel back home. For Cubs and White Sox fans, this will definitely affect your pre-game drinking plans. If you used to plan on hopping on the train and drinking at the bar car, you'll now have to make extra time to run to the corner store or liquor store to pick up some booze and carry it all onto the train as opposed to just conveniently not worrying about buying alcohol and ordering from the refreshment car on the train. Many riders are against this and are petitioning to keep the bar cars open.
Watch a video and read the Chicago Tribune article here.
Go to www.happyhourwatch.com to find happy hour specials in your neck of the woods.
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