Metra Proposes Rate Hike


Metra is proposing fare increases of nearly 11 percent next year and looks to increase fares by 68 percent over the next 10 years. If approved, the fare hikes would be effective starting as soon as February. Metra's Board of Directors chairman Marty Oberman and executive director, Donald Orseno, give us the breakdown of the proposed hikes and what exactly it will pay for over the long haul.

Metra said the increase in fares is necessary to help shore up aging infrastructure, and to fix and modernize aging railcars. The proposed 2015 budget looks to gain $749 million for operations and $329 million for capital needs. While 2015's 11 percent raise will be the biggest jump in fare hikes, the proposal looks for additional fare increases of at least 3 percent a year.

Thanks to our sponsors:

View all sponsors

View a graph of Metra's 10-year plan for fare increases below.

 

Metra customers will be able to express their feelings about the proposed increases during eight public hearings on the agency's budget Nov. 5 and 6.

The hearings are scheduled for downtown Chicago, suburban Cook County, and the five collar counties. The rail line is posting details on those hearings at metrarail.com.

Metra said the public can also send comments to [email protected].

Click the zones below to compare 2014 and 2024 proposed Metra fare rates.

Thanks to our sponsors:

View all sponsors

Thanks to our sponsors:

View all sponsors