Metra is launching a new $10 All-Day Pass on June 1 and company officials are strongly encouraging customers to buy it in the Ventra app, giving them a “Touch Less, Pay Less” option to ride its trains safely and affordably.
“If you are ready to come back to Metra, we are ready for you,” said Metra CEO/Executive Director Jim Derwinski. “We know our riders will have concerns returning to public transportation and we want them to know that we are addressing those concerns. We are heavily cleaning and disinfecting trains every day. We also have onboard plans to create social distance and keep people safe.”
The All-Day Pass will be good for unlimited rides on any Metra line until 3 a.m. the next morning. For anyone travelling downtown from Metra’s C zone or farther, the pass costs less than two one-way fares. The All-Day Pass will be sold for at least the next two months. Unused All-Day Passes purchased in the Ventra app will expire seven days after purchase.
Metra will also continue to support doctors, nurses, EMTs, paramedics and other medical personnel on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic by allowing them to ride free on Metra trains for the duration of the state’s stay-at-home order. To ride free, medical personnel only need to present a work ID showing that they are employed at a hospital, doctor’s office, medical facility or local fire department to a Metra conductor.
Metra has spent recent weeks deep cleaning all cars and developing a new cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting regimen to keep customers as safe as possible on a daily basis. More details about that regimen are forthcoming.
All 11 Metra lines remain in service. However, all lines are using alternative schedules, and customers should check those schedules on metrarail.com before they travel. Metra is prepared to add cars to trains and add trains to the schedules as ridership grows in order to allow for responsible social distancing on trains as much as possible and as long as possible.
Metra also asks all customers to be mindful of the following:
- Please remember to wear a mask or face covering on board trains. Under an executive order from Gov. J.B. Pritzker, face coverings are required in public spaces where social distancing cannot be maintained.
- Please do your best to maintain your distance from other customers and Metra employees on the platforms and trains.
- Please remain in your seat and do not crowd the aisles or vestibules. Metra will give you plenty of time to safely exit the train when it reaches your destination.