Metra CTA Question. (Chicago, Buffalo: buy, live, restaurants)

[TheBrownBuffalo]

If I purchase a 7 day CTA pass will that cover all public transit options? Is the Metra differnt than the L? Like always your help is appreciated!

[Dis99]

CTA pass will cover the El, but will not cover Metra trains. You will have to purchase those tickets separately.

[Mr Downtown]

The only thing you can use on both systems is cash. You can use the CTA pass only on CTA trains and buses. Not on Metra trains.

[jlawrence01]

Originally Posted by TheBrownBuffalo

If I purchase a 7 day CTA pass will that cover all public transit options? Is the Metra differnt than the L? Like always your help is appreciated!

The CTA pass is NOT accepted on the METRA trains or on the suburban PACE systems.

The METRA rail is generally all that great of an option unless you are commuting in from the suburbs or heading out of the Chicago city proper. The trains run FAR LESS frequently and are generally far more expensive.

[TheBrownBuffalo]

Thanks a bunch!!! That clears it up.

[Chicago60614]

I really wish they'd figure out how to update Metra to a uniform pass system with the CTA.

with the gate-less entry though and zones, it would be difficult.

[via chicago]

Originally Posted by Chicago60614

I really wish they'd figure out how to update Metra to a uniform pass system with the CTA.

with the gate-less entry though and zones, it would be difficult.

yea, theres really no way to do it. with most of metra boardings taking place at grade crossings spanning a couple city blocks, a turnstyle system is unfeasible. the only solution would be to grade seperate the entire line, which unfortunately wont happen in any of our lifetimes.

anyway, a Zone system is entirely practical for Metra where you have a system which almost extends into other states.

[prairiestate]

Just touch your Chicago card to a portable reader the conductor could carry on Metra trains. Simple enough. I was in Hong Kong a couple months ago, and not only could you use the stored value card on all forms of transit, it could be used in fast food restaurants, convenience stores, etc. We're way behind in the US.

[eevee]

Originally Posted by via chicago

yea, theres really no way to do it. with most of metra boardings taking place at grade crossings spanning a couple city blocks, a turnstyle system is unfeasible. the only solution would be to grade seperate the entire line, which unfortunately wont happen in any of our lifetimes.

anyway, a Zone system is entirely practical for Metra where you have a system which almost extends into other states.

it's not unheard of. w/ the MBTA in Mass., the commuter rail passes (which is basically like the Metra in that it goes by zones) can be used on the regular MBTA trains and buses. basically, you buy a zone pass depending on where you live and that pass can also be used for unlimited rides on the T's subway lines, trolley, buses, and I think maybe the commuter boat. and the MA commuter rail does extend into RI

in fact, even w/ the regular subways, trolley and some bus lines, you have to pay a bit extra if you plan on going far out of Boston. there was even a time (not sure if this is still the case since I moved) when you had to pay to leave the station if you were out of the zone (there was even an old song about it, "Charlie on the MTA"). it wasn't a perfect system of course, but it's still in existence, AFAIK

[chirack]

Originally Posted by eevee

it's not unheard of. w/ the MBTA in Mass., the commuter rail passes (which is basically like the Metra in that it goes by zones) can be used on the regular MBTA trains and buses. basically, you buy a zone pass depending on where you live and that pass can also be used for unlimited rides on the T's subway lines, trolley, buses, and I think maybe the commuter boat. and the MA commuter rail does extend into RI

in fact, even w/ the regular subways, trolley and some bus lines, you have to pay a bit extra if you plan on going far out of Boston. there was even a time (not sure if this is still the case since I moved) when you had to pay to leave the station if you were out of the zone (there was even an old song about it, "Charlie on the MTA"). it wasn't a perfect system of course, but it's still in existence, AFAIK

Now that is a nice system. The best we have locally is the link up sticker...only good on metra monthly passes and only good during certain hours.

I think it is a combination of problems. Lack of motivation and coordination on the part of the local transit authorities. And lack of compatibility. If metra accepted the cta Chicago card then a lot of the problem would be solved.