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Fare Hikes

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Metra Commuters Have to Open Their Wallets Wider Now

The effect of rate hikes on ridership will be assessed later.

Finding a seat for your daily commute may be easier Wednesday when Metra fare hikes go into effect. Higher prices are hard to swallow, and Metra expects ridership to dip at least for a while in reaction to its largest rate hikes ever. The hikes are an overall average of 25 percent and, in some cases, such as the monthly pass from Zones A and B, as high as 35 percent. Metra media spokesperson Meg Reilie told Patch that it will take two to three months before Metra can start assessing the effect of the new prices on ridership. “It really will take a year to know for sure,” she said. “You will have some fall off as with any increase, especially one of this magnitude. But then people return when they realize it is the best option.” Starting …

Judas I.

3:22 pm on Sunday, March 18, 2012

Do Not be anxious...Matthew 6:25-34.   more ›

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Tell Metra What You Think

The public can weigh in on Metra's proposed service cuts and fare hikes by responding to a survey through this week.

You can add your 2 cents worth—to a $100 million problem. That's the opportunity offered by Metra with its online rider survey that will continue through this week. "We want to get feedback from the public on some of the issues facing Metra and to help guide the board as it puts together its budget for 2012," Metra spokesman Michael Gillis said. Metra is facing a $100 million deficit for 2012 and is contemplating fare increases and major service cuts. The sluggish economy has reduced the sales tax Metra receives from its six-county service area. And that won't get better soon. Metra projects the cumulative shortfall in sales tax revenues alone at $350 million from 2008 to 2013.The skyrocketing price of diesel fuel also is putting the …

George Swimmer

8:44 am on Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Over the last 20 years Metra has been involved in about 600 accidents that has resulted in hundreds killed or injured. Metra has paid out hundreds of millions in settlements and judgments to accident victims or their families. Metra has also paid out millions in property damage.. Also, it is not uncommon for a Metra locomotive engineer to work over 70 hours a week, working split rush hour shifts…   more ›

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