Metra preps for online surplus auction

Metra next week will kick off an online auction of its surplus materials, including more than 14 motor vehicles.

The event marks the first time the railroad has used an online auction to generate revenue, Metra officials said in a press release.

The vehicles going to auction beginning Nov. 14 include an assortment of sedans, pick-up trucks and utility trucks. The auction is scheduled to close Dec. 12.

Metra will use online auctions to sell used vehicles, heavy equipment and tools, rail-car parts and other surplus items as they become available throughout the year. In the future, used rail cars are expected to be sold through an online auction.

Metra deems an item "surplus" when it is no longer needed, when the cost of repairing it exceeds its value or when it reaches the end of its useful life.

Last month, Metra listed three vehicles for a test sale; the bidding for those cars closed yesterday.