How does Metra handle onboard fare inspections during rush hour?

During rush hour, Metra, like at other times, expects passengers to have valid tickets.

how does metra handle onboard fare inspections during rush hour

Here’s how onboard fare inspection and payment typically work

Conductor Checks: Conductors are responsible for verifying that passengers have the correct tickets for their trip.
Payment on Board: If a passenger doesn’t have a ticket, they can purchase a one-way ticket (or Day Pass on weekends/holidays) using cash from the conductor.
Ventra App and Cash: Riders who don’t produce a valid paper or mobile ticket or decline to pay with cash or the Ventra app risk being removed from the train. Police may also be involved in issuing citations for related offenses.
Potential Penalties: While the primary focus is often on collecting the correct fare, fare evasion can lead to various penalties, as highlighted in this Streetsblog Chicago article.

Recent developments

Metra has been exploring measures to improve fare collection and address fare evasion, including

Increased Conductor Presence: Metra has increased the number of conductors on trains to assist with fare collection efforts.
Police Assistance: Metra police may supplement conductors’ efforts to check for valid tickets, initially focusing on education and potentially issuing warnings or citations later.
Station Enforcement (UP Lines): For Union Pacific lines, Metra implemented ticket verification booths at the Ogilvie train platform, verifying a significant portion of riders’ tickets at the station before boarding. Union Pacific also requested police presence at these booths to enforce fare payment.
Posting Signs: Metra has posted signs throughout the system to remind passengers about fare compliance and the potential consequences of evasion.

Note: Metra’s fare system is distance-based, meaning the cost of a trip depends on the zones traveled, not the time of day (including rush hour).