New Metra Fares Structure, Zone Maps Take Effect Next Month

CHICAGO — Ahead of upcoming changes to its fare structure, Metra is closing all remaining ticket windows on the BNSF Line on Monday and at all remaining stations on Feb. 1.

The revamped fare system aims to simplify fare calculations while generating marginally more revenue ahead of a looming fiscal cliff for the commuter rail service.

Starting next month, the existing 10-zone fare map will be replaced with a four-zone system. Zone 1 includes all four terminals in the Loop and some nearby stations, while Zone 2 is the rest of the city of Chicago and some Cook County suburbs. Zone 3 includes the rest of Cook County, some DuPage County towns and part of one in Lake County. Zone 4 extends to outer Cook County stations and other collar county stations.

With the new fare prices taking effect Feb. 1, Metra is discontinuing the $100 Super-Saver pass, replacing it with monthly, zone-based passes ranging from $75 to $135. Prices for one-way tickets will remain the same or decrease, with fares ranging from $3.75 to $6.75. Existing day passes will be replaced with zone-based passes. The 10-Ride ticket will also be discontinued and replaced with the Day Pass 5-pack, which can be used on any five days within 90 days of purchase.

Citing the switchover to the new fare structure, February monthly passes do not go on sale in the Ventra app or at vending machines until Feb. 1. As a result, paper monthly passes for January will remain valid until noon on Feb. 5. For the March and subsequent monthly passes, Metra will offer them for sale on the 20th of the prior month.

---

With the closure of all remaining ticket windows, vending machines have been installed at the busiest stations.

According to Metra's website, this year fares will cover about 25 percent of the commuter rail service's operating costs.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, state lawmakers suspended the requirement that fares must cover at least half of Metra's cost and the Regional Transit Authority received extensive federal subsidies to support continued operations.

The new fare structure is projected to generate marginally more revenue than the current system. but the increase will mainly cover inflation-related costs and reduce dependence on federal aid.

Metra representatives expect fare revenue from the new plan still still fall "far short" of the 50 percent mark next year and that it will continue to rely on federal aid.

A state-created body is expected to recommend funding solutions before the federal aid runs out in 2026.

Read more: Metra's Overhauled Fare System Takes Effect In February