04 Action
Why this is important
Riding the CTA, Metra, and Pace and transferring across agencies should be as easy as possible. The RTA is committed to make our transit system seamless by removing travel barriers such as implementing systemwide day passes or discounted transfers. With additional long-term funding, the RTA and Service Boards can also expand ride-free and reduced fare programs for seniors and riders with disabilities. A system that is easier and more affordable to ride will encourage more people to take transit rather than driving.
The monthly cost for unlimited rides on Metra, CTA, and Pace using the Metra Super Saver monthly pass and CTA/Pace Regional Connect pass
Input from stakeholder working groups
The stakeholder working groups are pushing for better regional transit fare integration including passing single-ride fare instruments, reducing or eliminating transfer fares between systems, and coordinating with public and private services to address the first and last mile of transit trips. Working groups also encourage expanding free or discounted fares to low-income residents and evaluating the equity implications of potential distance-based fares.
What we as a region could do with more resources
Additional resources would allow for more seamless fare products, and the sure expansion of existing discounted and ride-free programs to include more underprivileged groups or even fare-free transit service.
Implementation Activities
Shared Activities
Together, the agencies will work to identify funding to remove unaffordable barriers and expand regional free or reduced fare programs to low-income individuals.
Agencies are participating in a joint effort led by Cook County to analyze fare integration.
Metra and Pace are participated in the Fair Transit South Cook fare pilot, and Metra continues to participate in the new Access Pilot Program.
The Service Boards have rolled out various new fare products that make it easier and more affordable to ride on multiple operators.
RTA
Take a key role in pursuing funding described in Shared Activities.
Continue to administer free and reduced fare programs for seniors and people with disabilities enrolled in Illinois Department on Aging’s Benefit Access Program.
CTA
Continue expanding U-Pass flexibility to all colleges.
Continue to advance Ventra 3.0 rollout planned for 2024/2025.
Metra
Continue to advance Regional Connect pass products as a monthly pass add-on.
Continue affordable fare products such as Day Passes, including the new Regional Day Pass.
Install ticket vending machines that accept Ventra payments and system-wide transfer payments.
Pace
Continue discounted Taxi Access Program, Rideshare Access Program, and DuPage Access programs.
CMAP
Study fare integration and fare subsidies.