Metra plans fare hike in 2016; agency says state budget rift delays upgrades
Metra riders will see a fare increase in February — about $2.50 more a month for most riders, according to a 2016 budget proposed by the agency. At the same...
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Metra installs free charging areas at 4 downtown stations
Metra riders can now get a free charge for their phones, tablets or laptops at four downtown stations, the agency announced Monday. Charging stations with both electrical outlets and USB...
Metra website now allows split payment option for transit benefit users
Metra riders who purchase tickets online now have the ability to split their payments among credit and debit cards, a convenience for customers who use pre-tax transit benefit debit cards,...
Bill to extend safety system deadline would avert rail shutdown, help Metra
A measure introduced in the U.S. House on Wednesday seeks to avert the threatened year-end shutdown of the nation's freight and commuter railroads, including Metra. Leaders of the Transportation and...
Metra will test Wi-Fi on 10 rail cars
After years of pondering the idea and once concluding that it would be too technologically difficult and expensive, Metra announced Friday that it plans to install Wi-Fi on 10 rail...
Fines cut on new Elgin-O’Hare tollway
A discount is in the offing for toll violators on the new Elgin-O'Hare tollway next summer. In an effort to be more equitable, the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority agreed...
Metra urges Congress to alter safety system edict or face Jan. 1 shutdown
In their most direct message yet to Chicago-area rail commuters, Metra officials on Monday reiterated their warning that the agency faces a Jan.1 shutdown if Congress fails to extend the...
Metra likely to allow pets on more trains
After allowing small pets on weekend Rock Island Line trains during a summerlong test, Metra officials say they've gotten no complaints and want to expand the pilot program for another...
For transit riders, a smartphone will be the ticket — some day
Paperless ticketing is finally expected to debut on Metra as early as this fall, enabling riders to buy and display virtual tickets on their smartphones and pay with a Ventra...
As safety deadline looms, railroads look to Congress to avert shutdown
The nation's freight railroads, commuter lines like Metra, and Amtrak are facing a potential service crisis Dec. 31. The railroads insist they're not to blame, but critics say the warning...