Metra Rate Hikes, Service Cuts Take Effect In February

Get ready to pay more for Metra tickets for fewer available trains, as the latest of fare increases take effect Thursday. Metra blamed state funding cuts for it $45 million budget shortfall and said the fare increases are necessary to cover it.

At the same time, several weekend trains on the Milwaukee District North line will be cut starting Feb. 5. Four Saturday trains will be eliminated, Metra said. Two trains on Sunday will be eliminated, with one renumbered.

Service will also be reduced on the North Central, SouthWest and Rock Island lines.

The following rate increases will take effect Feb. 1:

• One-way tickets will increase by 25 cents in all zones
• 10-ride tickets will increase between $4.25 to $7.75 depending on the zone/length of trip
• Monthly passes will increase between $9 to $12.50
• Weekend passes will increase to $10 from $8
• Reduced fares for seniors and those with disabilities will also increase

A summary of all Feb. 5 Metra route changes is posted online.

And just as some service is reduced, the Heritage Corridor line is getting an improvement as the brand-new Romeoville station opens. A ribbon cutting for the new station is set for Friday.

View Metra's new fare schedule or submit feedback to Metra's fare structure survey.

_{Patch editor Shannon Antinori contributed}

_{Top photo: A late-afternoon Metra commuter train March 16, 2006 in Des Plaines (Tim Boyle/Getty Images/Getty Images News)}