The cheapest way to ride Metra depends on your needs and frequency of travel. For occasional trips, a single-ride ticket or a Day Pass are good options. For regular commuting, a monthly pass or participating in a pre-tax transit benefit program can offer significant savings. Additionally, there are reduced fares for seniors, people with disabilities, low-income riders, military personnel, and students.
What’s the cheapest way to ride Metra?
Here’s a more detailed breakdown
For Occasional Travel
- Single-ride tickets: These are the most expensive option for multiple trips, but are good for one-off journeys.
- Day Passes: A Day Pass offers unlimited rides for a single day and can be more cost-effective than multiple single-ride tickets.
- Weekend Passes: Metra offers a $7 Saturday/Sunday/Holiday Day Pass and a $10 Weekend Pass (both available on the Ventra app) for unlimited rides on weekends.
For Regular Commuting
- Monthly passes: If you travel on Metra regularly, a monthly pass is likely the most cost-effective option.
- Pre-tax transit benefits: If your employer offers them, pre-tax transit benefits can significantly reduce the cost of monthly passes.
- Access Pilot Program: If you qualify for the SNAP program, you may be eligible for the Access Pilot Program, which offers reduced fares.
Other Options
- Fair Transit South Cook: This program offers up to a 50% fare reduction on Metra’s Electric and Rock Island lines in the South Cook County area.
- Reduced fares: Metra offers reduced fares for seniors, people with disabilities, low-income riders, military personnel, and students.
- Family Fares: Metra offers Family Fares on weekends and select holidays, allowing up to three children 11 and younger to ride free with each fare-paying adult.