Fare Hike, Zone Changes Proposed By Metra For 2024

ACROSS ILLINOIS — Metra wants its riders to weigh in on fare hikes and zone changes that are proposed for 2024. In a news release, Metra called the proposed shift "the biggest proposed change to its fare structure in its history."

The changes would break Metra rail lines into four zones instead of 10, with prices as follows:

• Zone 1 (downtown Chicago): $3.75 to zone 2, $5.50 to zone 3, $6.75 to zone 4
• Travel within zones 2, 3 and 4: $3.75
• Day pass: $7.50 to zone 2 and within zones 2, 3 and 4, $11 to zone 3, $13.50 to zone 4

Proposed reduced fare prices are:

• Zone 1 (downtown Chicago): $1.75 to zone 2, $2.75 to zone 3, $3.25 to zone four
• Travel within zones 2, 3 and 4: $1.75
• Day pass: $3.75 to zone 2 and within zones 2, 3 and 4, $5.50 to zone 3, $6.75 to zone 4

Metra's $6 and $11 day passes will no longer be available if the proposed fare increases take effect. Reduced fares will still be applicable to seniors, active military members and students in grades K through 12.

Currently, Metra has 10 fare zones, with pricing often indicative of how many zones a commuter is traveling. The four new fare zones would be designated by the following criteria:

• Ridership characteristics
• Distance from downtown Chicago
• Service patterns

Day passes would be priced as follows:

“As we continue to recover from the pandemic, we have an opportunity and a responsibility to change how we do business and create a better Metra for our customers,” Metra CEO/Executive Director Jim Derwinski said in a statement. “A system that is easier to use will draw new riders and further cement Metra as the best transportation alternative – the safest, most affordable and most reliable.”

Residents can email 2024FarePlan@metrarr.com to share their feedback about the proposed fare increase and zone restructuring. After Metra reviews its feedback, a final proposal will be presented to its board of directors sometime in August.