10/07/2023
Hi all! Been a bit since I made a post so thought I would update you on an upcoming possible change for residents who live in the suburbs of Chicago. This is still in proposal status, so this has yet to be implemented.
Metra, the commuter rail system in the Chicagoland area, is proposing a plan that would consolidate their current 10-zone operation into only 4. What does this mean for you? Also, please see attached picture that displays the proposed consolidations.
Zones: The current 10 fare zones would be discontinued and replaced with four zones (see map below) for One-Way Tickets, weekday Day Passes and Monthly Passes and one zone for all weekend passes. Downtown stations would be assigned to Zone 1 and outlying stations would be assigned to Zones 2 through 4 based on a combination of distance from downtown, service patterns and ridership characteristics on each line, which vary.
The 10-Ride Ticket: The 10-Ride Ticket would be replaced with a new fare product, a Day Pass 5-Pack. The 5-Pack would be available only on the Ventra app and priced the same as the 10-Ride Ticket, at 9.5 times the cost of a One-Way Ticket. The passes in the 5-Pack would not have to be used on consecutive days; rather, they could be used on any five days in a 90-day period (10-Ride Tickets are valid for 90 days.) The 5-Pack could be shared by up to five people traveling together.
Incremental Fares: “Incremental fares” – a surcharge paid to the conductor to travel beyond the zones indicated on their ticket – would be discontinued. Riders would be required to buy a ticket valid for the trip they are taking.
Here is a link with more information:
https://metra.com/2024FarePlan
If you are interested in buying, selling, or renting in the Chicagoland area, let's chat! I also give great recommendations on hot sauce!