Children Ride For Free On Metra On Thursday

Parents will be able to bring up to three of their children under the age of 18 on a Metra train for free on Thursday as part of a promotion for "Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work Day." The children will have to be with a fare-paying parent, according to a news release.

“Now in its 25th year, Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day gives girls and boys exposure to a wide range of work experiences the adults in their lives have during the workday,” said Metra CEO/Executive Director Jim Derwinski. “We have been celebrating this event at Metra for several years and decided that offering our customers a free ride for their children will make it easier for them to participate in this event at their workplace.”

At Metra, Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day teaches employees’ children about the transportation industry and helps them discover possible careers, according to a news release.

This year, the agency is celebrating by hosting 88 children of Metra and Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) employees for a day that will include a welcome message from the CEO, a demonstration by Metra Police dogs as well as the opportunity to operate a train simulator, learn how to paint a train, participate in a mock Board meeting and much more.

Designed to be more than a career day, the Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work program goes beyond shadowing an adult at work.

Exposing girls and boys to what their parent or mentor does during the workday is important, but the key to their achieving success is showing them the value of their education, helping them discover the power and possibilities associated with a balanced work and family life and allowing them to begin taking steps toward their goals in a hands-on and interactive environment, according to a news release.

Patch file photo