Metra is joining with transit agencies in New York and across the nation to salute the heroic efforts of transportation and all other essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic by simultaneously sounding its vehicle horns at 2 p.m. (Central Standard Time) on Thursday, April 16.
Metra as well as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), NJ TRANSIT, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Amtrak and other regional bus and ferry operators will participate in #SoundTheHorn - a coordinated tribute to the essential workers on the front lines of this public health crisis, including transportation workers. The tribute will consist of two one-second horn blasts to show solidarity with all those continuing to perform essential functions throughout this crisis.
“We are proud of and grateful to all Metra employees who have been working in the public eye and behind the scenes to make sure that other essential workers have reliable transportation during this public health crisis,” said Metra CEO/Executive Director Jim Derwinski. “The healthcare workers, first responders, grocery store employees, childcare workers and all others who are showing up each and every day to do their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic are heroes. Their commitment is extraordinary, and they all deserve our recognition. We hope that this effort draws even more attention to the importance of the work they do.”
Anyone who sees or hears trains, buses or ferries sounding their horns at 2 p.m. CT on Thursday is encouraged to use the #SoundTheHorn hashtag to post audio and video, and tag the agency on the platform of their choice.