Buses and trains to simultaneously honk horns today to honor essential workers

A massive horn sound is the equivalent of intense clapping and cheers in the chugging and snorting language of diesel locomotives.

Or, at least it will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, when Metra and Amtrak trains will join transit agencies around the nation for a simultaneous sounding of horns to salute the heroic efforts of transportation and all other essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pace buses will also be tooting their horns.

A CTA spokesperson was not available Thursday morning to say whether their trains and buses will be participating.

The idea originated in conversations Amtrak had in recent days with counterparts in New York and quickly mushroomed, Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari.

“Horns will be sounding from sea to shining sea,” Magliari said.

Metra CEO Jim Derwinski praised his troops.

“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,” Derwinski said a statement.