(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- If you hear a blaring train horn Thursday afternoon, it is not to give a warning to nearby vehicles and pedestrians, but as a way to say thanks.
At 2 p.m. CST, U.S. train horns will be blown nationwide, as part of a salute to essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Amtrak trains plan to sound their horns to honor transportation employees considered essential workers, during the coronavirus pandemic. It's Amtrak's take on the horns that sound each evening in New York and other cities to salute medical workers fighting COVID-19.
Amtrak trains, along with its regional partner trains across the U.S., will give two blasts to transportation workers, as well all other essential workers, including healthcare workers, first responders, grocery store employees, and others providing essential services during the pandemic.
Amtrak Chief Operating and Commercial Officer Steven Gardner said the workers should be thanked for their courage and help they are providing to the country.
Metra is one of the regional partners joining in on the #SoundTheHorn event.
"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, in a statement. "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."
CTA and PACE are said to be participating as well.
Anyone who sees or hears trains, buses or ferries sounding their horns at 2 p.m. on Thursday is encouraged to use the #SoundTheHorn hashtag to post audio and video, and tag the agency on the platform of their choice.
