Metra considers fare changes to adapt to evolving ridership patterns.
Metra is considering changes to its fare system, including dividing its lines into four fare zones instead of the current 10, eliminating the pandemic-era $100 monthly pass, and replacing 10-ride passes with a bundle of five-day passes. The changes are aimed at simplifying the fare system for riders and ticket collectors and adjusting to changing rider habits due to the pandemic. Metra hopes the new fares will grow ridership, which is currently at about 51% of 2019 levels on weekdays in May. The agency will solicit feedback from the public before a final proposal is sent to the board for approval.