Living in Lake County, I’ve spent a good deal of time riding the Metra to and from Chicago. The trains are comfortable, quick and convenient, and a good deal better than sitting in rush-hour traffic along I-94. Really, I have very few complaints. That said, I’m guessing I’m not the only one who’s rushed up to a ticket counter, only to realize I didn’t have cash for the fare. We’ve come to rely on credit cards for everything from dinner and a movie, to groceries and gas. These days I can even buy a hotdog from a Wrigley Field vendor with a credit card.

It makes sense that the same could be said of the second largest commuter rail system in the United States. That’s why I sponsored Senate Bill 577, which requires Metra to begin implementing a system allowing passengers to purchase tickets with credit cards.

This won’t happen right away. The new law gives Metra until Feb. 28 of next year to get the system up and running online, and at the largest train stations. But it is a big step forward in terms of customer service.

I would like to personally thank Metra for their help with this legislation. This is only the first in a series of proposals I believe will establish our rail systems as the premiere commuter train service in the country.

We’ve already been involved in intensive discussions over providing Wi-Fi access on Amtrak trains. After our success with the Metra credit card legislation, I don’t see why that can’t be a very real possibility in the near future.

I remain committed to ensuring our rail systems continue to provide the quality service we’ve come to expect, while pushing for technological advancements that I believe will make for a more comfortable ride.