Tag Archives: FARE HIKE

Metra fare increase kicks in on Wednesday

Jan 31, 2017 | WLSAM Staff

(CHICAGO) A fare increase for Metra passes takes effect on Wednesday, boosting prices by 25 cents for a one-way ticket, the Chicago Sun-Times is reporting.

The fare increase will generate $16 million for the transit agency, which gets about half its operating budget from fares. The money from the price boost will be used entirely for capital projects across the Metra system, the agency said. The increased prices will net the agency about 6 percent more in fare revenue.

Metra officials have increased fares in each of the last three years, largely to address what the agency says is a $11.7 billion backlog in capital needs to keep the rail system functioning properly.

The price of a 10-ride ticket will increase by $2.75, and monthly passes will cost $11.57 more. Metra officials have increased fares in each of the last three years. Reduced-fare tickets will increase in price by 25 cents for a one-way ticket, $1.50 for a 10-ride pass and $7.50 for a monthly pass.

© Copyright 2017 Sun-Times Media, LLC. All rights reserved.

Metra CEO Gets Pay Hike, Commuters Get Fare Hike

Dec 15, 2016 | WLSAM Staff

By Nick Gale, WLS-AM 890 News

(CHICAGO) A month after Metra Commuters were hit with another fare hike, the Metra board has voted to give Metra CEO Don Orseno a $28,000 raise.
The board voted unanimously to give Orseno a pay bump, calling him overworked and underpaid compared to other big-city transportation executives. The increase means Orseno is now making $317,500 a year. The pay increase is retroactive to October 1.
Orseno’s pay raise comes after board members approved its third fare hike in three years. Fares in 2017 are being increased by an average of 5.8 percent with monthly commuters paying an addition $11.75.
Orseno is a 32-year Metra veteran who was once a locomotive engineer.

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