Dupage Policy Journal

Metra, a commuter rail system that serves the metropolitan Chicago area, said it’s adding a new monthly pass in hopes commuters will save money.

“As many return to the office, keep Metra in mind to avoid traffic,” Rep. Deanne Mazzochi (R-Westmont) wrote on Facebook.

Metra recently announced a $100 flat-rate “Super Saver” monthly pass that will be available beginning in July and can be used for unlimited travel throughout Chicagoland, a press release said. Seniors, students, and children will be eligible for a reduced fare pass of $70. Riders can purchase a July pass beginning on June 20. Metra will still offer its $6 and $10 day passes.

Metra said in the release the pass will be sold for a three-month pilot period.

“Put simply, this is a great deal,” Metra Executive Director/CEO Jim Derwinski said in the release. “For the price of a tank of gas or a trip to a baseball game, you can travel all over the Chicago area on Metra for a month. High gas prices already make Metra an affordable option versus driving, but this new monthly ‘Super Saver’ pass makes the choice even clearer.”

In other Metra news, its electric line started a new schedule and added more engines, stops and express runs.

“These changes are part of our ongoing efforts to adjust our schedules as we recover from the pandemic and meet the changing needs of My Metra riders,” Derwinski said on ABC 7 Chicago. “We will continue to make periodic schedule adjustments to our lines as the situation changes.”

During the Memorial Day weekend, Metra offered various ticket deals, CBS Chicago News reported.

Increasing gas prices could be driving more Americans to take public transportation, News Nation reported in March. Traffic consultant Samuel Schwartz told WCBS newsradio that every 10% increase in gas prices typically corresponds to a 2% decrease in traffic.

The average price of a gallon of regular gas in Illinois reached a record-high $5.262 on June 2, AAA wrote, up from $3.269 one year ago. In DuPage County, gas prices average $5.526 per gallon.