Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service.

Metra is recruiting students to serve as auxiliary Citizens Advisory Board members. This is a non-paid volunteer opportunity.

The Citizens Advisory Board (CAB) is appointed by members of Metra's Board of Directors. They represent portions of the metropolitan regions which Metra serves.

The CAB was re-established in 2011, when Metra acknowledged that in order to provide quality service and programs for its passengers, voices along the service-corridors needed to be heard. CAB members act as Metra's eyes and ears in and around the community and advise Metra's Board of Directors on how their decisions impact the people Metra serves.

The members of the advisory board serve two-year terms, without compensation. The CAB meets quarterly with the Metra Board of Directors to discuss how Metra policies, programs, and services affect the area residents for the districts they represent.

Per the statute in the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) Act establishing a formal board comprised of area residents, appointments to the CAB should, to the greatest extent possible, reflect the ethnic, cultural, and geographic diversity of all persons residing within the Commuter Rail Division's jurisdiction.

Metra is seeking volunteers who are pursuing a college degree to serve as an auxiliary member of itsCitizens Advisory Board. This commitment will last up to two years.

Volunteers are expected to contribute during discussions and presentations by asking questions; they are to be a voice for the regional taxpayers subsidizing the service; the rider from their area using the service; and their generation who will inherit a public transportation system to suit their needs.

Selectedauxiliary CAB members will:

• Learn about government operations and transportation oversight.
• Shareopinions individually and as a representative of the various communities of which they are part.
• Ride various Metra lines to share their experiences as passengers and how Metra can improve.
• TourMetrashops to see the operation and our in-house efforts to train employees.
• Potentiallyattendplanning meetings to review upcoming Metra projects, new stations, bridges, etc.
• Receivementoring from current Board members.

Selectedauxiliary CAB members will:

• Maintainrelationshipswith and serve as liaisons between Metra and the community, specifically the service areas in which the Volunteers reside.
• Encouragecitizenparticipationwhereappropriatein decisions affecting their districts.
• Promotepublic awareness of Metra within their service areas.
• Advise Metra Board on how policies and system decisions affect their communities.
• Voiceconcernsand potential solutions facing individuals within the Metra community.

Candidatesmust:

• Be pursuing a college education and remain in good academic standing.
• Attach a resume listing the school you are attending, area of study, and anticipated graduation date to your application which must be submitted through our webpage.
• Attach a letter of recommendation from someone who can attest to your character and fit for this opportunity, such as a teacher, counselor, former employer, etc.

Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability, or any protected categories, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.