Originally Posted by
jobtraklite
I've read the Metra rules on blackout times and dates, maximum bikes per train, bungees, etc. One rule is that folders must be in a bag. Now if I'm traveling at a time when full size bikes are allowed, can I just wheel the unfolded bike on board and pretend it is a regular bike?
My wife and I have been all over the country on Amtrak with folders, and never had to bother with bags.
As far as I know you will be fine, I think they will treat your unfolded bike like any other bike. That could vary with conductor I suppose but I doubt it. As far as I know the folder rules only apply when you try to take a bike on a peak train. I have no experience with folders on off peak trains though. You undoubtedly know this but Amtrak and Metra are two different carriers. Neither is actually a railroad, both are passenger services operated on host freight railroad tracks. There may be chance similarities between their rules but when they differ the rule from one cannot be appealed to on the other.
Ken