Metra starts downtown ticket-check pilot on off-peak trains

Metra pilot ticketing program will start on off-peak trains. The agency is testing a different boarding process for some riders at downtown stations.

Metra pilot ticketing program at downtown stations

According to Metra, some passengers will be asked to show a Ventra ticket before boarding. They may also show a paper ticket. In practice, that moves the ticket check to the pre-boarding stage for affected riders. The change applies at downtown Metra stations. It is designed as a limited pilot, not a systemwide shift.

Handheld ticket scanners and fare collection efficiency

Metra said the program will be used to test handheld ticket scanners. The goal is to speed up fare collection and improve efficiency. As reported by Railway Supply, the pilot will start on off-peak trains to avoid delays. If the test works as planned, the agency could expand it further.

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