CHICAGO — An Illinois legislator has proposed lowering fares on Metra’s Electric District, and the commuter railroad says it’s willing to discuss the proposal.
The Chicago Tribune reports State Rep. Marcus Evans Jr.’s bill would make rail service more affordable for South Side residents by lowering Metra Electric trips within Chicago to rates equal to Chicago Transit Authority fares. CTA trains have a regular rate of $2.50 per ride; Metra Electric fares, determined by zone, range from $4 to $5.50 within Chicago.
Metra spokesman Michael Gillis told the Tribune that the agency “would look forward to working with Rep. Evans and others to determine whether doing this is feasible and affordable.”
Lower-cost, increased Metra Electric service could provide an alternative to the proposed expansion of the CTA’s Red Line from 95th Street to 103th Street, estimated to cost about $2.3 billion. The CTA does not yet have funding for that extension.
