In an effort to make fares more user friendly as well as encourage ridership and meet financial needs, Metra has made several changes to its fare structure, one of which is effective today, January 8, 2024.
Starting today, ticket windows at all BNSF line stations will be closed, with agents no longer selling tickets. All other station agents will stop selling tickets effective February 1, 2024. Tickets can be purchased on the Ventra app, at ticket vending machines in various stations, and from conductors on the trains.
Also coming in to effect on February 1 is a new fare structure that will see the number of fare zones decrease from 10 to 4. Zones will be based on a variety of factors including distance from downtown, service patterns, and ridership characteristics of each line.
As a result of the change over to the new fare structure, the February monthly pass will not be available to purchase until February 1. January monthly passes will be honored until February 5th.
The 10 ride ticket is being abolished in favor of a new Day Pass 5 pack, which will can be used on any 5 days within 9 days of purchase. The new pass will only be available from the Ventra app. The last day to purchase a 10 ride ticket is January 31 and the ticket will be honored for 90 days.
Other changes include the elimination of the $100 Super Saver Monthly Pass, with the Monthly Pass going back to being based on distance travelled. The new Monthly pass will not be available for purchase until February 1 due to the changes in fare structure. The January Monthly Pass will be honored until February 5th.
For more information about the fares at Metra, visit their website at www.metra.com