Blending public service with local politics, two Metra conductors have transcended their roles on the rails to take seats in local office. Jose S. Martinez and Chad Meyers each won elections to municipal office on April 1, 2025.
With decades of collective experience on the train, they won with a shared vision for improving their communities through public service. Neither had ever run for office before.
“I’m devoted to ongoing community service, inspired by a vision for a better tomorrow with a passion to drive meaningful and lasting change,” said Martinez, who is a Village of Antioch Trustee and has been a conductor since 2000. “I champion a world where strangers become friends and friends become family.”
Their grassroot campaigns included listening tours, discussing with residents their concerns and gathering input on pressing issues such as budgets and village operations.
Meyers, who was elected mayor/president of the Village of Schiller Park, said his experience as a conductor since 2001 helped with his campaign.
“Working as a Metra conductor taught me a lot about people —listening, problem-solving, and keeping things moving no matter the obstacles,” he said. “Now, as Mayor of Schiller Park, those lessons guide me every day. I’m grateful to Metra for supporting their employees in public service. It’s an honor to give back to the community that raised me and help move Schiller Park forward, one stop at a time.”
With their victories, these Metra conductors demonstrate that commitment to community translates into impactful political leadership. Their focus remains clear: advocating for the needs of passengers and striving to improve the communities they serve.
