Metra Tickets Could Cost Nearly 6 Percent More Next Year

CHICAGO, IL — Metra officials are considering a fare increase that could see commuters paying nearly 6 percent more for an average ticket beginning in February, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Two options for fare hikes were discussed Friday during Metra's board meeting, the report stated:

• a 4.8 percent increase, which would add between $6.25 and $9.75 to monthly fares.
• a 5.8 percent increase, which would add $11.75 to monthly fares in all zones.

The revenue from the increase would go toward funding the agency's 10-year capital plan to modernize the rail system, the report stated. Metra officials will mull over both options, and they are expected to schedule a time for public comment before voting on an increase, which is an item in the rail system's 2017 operating budget, the report added.

If approved, the fare hike would be the third increase in as many years. Passengers saw a 10.8 perecent increase enacted in 2015 and a 2 percent bump this year.

More via the Chicago Tribune

photo via Patch archive

Like What You're Reading? Stay Patched In!

• Like our Crime page on Facebook
• Live Traffic and Transit Updates