May 1, 2009
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News: Chicago’s Metra Soon to Have CC
The pot has been stewing over the absence of a modern system that would allow Chicago’s Metra riders to pay for fares with debit and credit cards. Chicago’s Metra is a 495-mile rail system that serves 230 stations within a six county radius. Some say Metra is living in the stone ages because their conductors still punch tickets and only accept cash or checks for payment. Some blame Metra’s resistance as the main obstacle in forming an integrative fare system that would accommodate the use of debit and credit cards between the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and Pace commuters. The CTA operates the nation's second largest public transportation system by bus and rail. It serves the City of Chicago and 40 neighboring communities. Pace, the backbone of Chicago’s suburbs, provides tens of thousands of rides via bus, vanpools, and Dial-a-ride programs; and is one of the nation’s largest bus systems. Metra officials have justified their lag in technology as a means of preventing fare increases due to credit card processing fees. Lawmakers and commuters have not been receptive to Metra’s excuses and have been demanding answers and solutions.
It appears all the pressure has paid off. Metra’s Executive Director Phil Pagano announced on Friday that they are awaiting final approval by Metra’s board on a plan to begin accepting debit and credit cards by February 2010. The system would allow commuters to purchase tickets both online and through ticket agents. It would also allow Metra, CTA, and Pace riders to purchase one ticket that could be used for rides and transfers between the three transportation systems. Additionally, Metra plans to revamp their website to enable commuters to print off their own tickets when paying by debit or credit card online.
Metra’s concession and decision to upgrade their payment system was prompted for the most part after being called on the carpet by Illinois State Representative Julie Hamos (D-Evanstong), Chair of the Illinois Mass Transit Committee. Representative Hamos summoned Metra’s Executive Director Phil Pagano to appear before the committee and demanded an explanation as to why they have not updated their system to include electronic ticketing and other modern conveniences for commuters. Illinois State Senator Michael Bond (D-Grayslake), added to the pressure by introducing a bill in March which would force Metra into accepting credit cards by January 2010.