Metra Riders, Are You Ready for a Fare Hike?

The Metra Board of Directors approved its 2012 budget, which includes increased fare prices that will go into effect on Feb. 1.

Metra fare increases are across all ticket types and fare policies will see a change.

According to the 2012 fare table, one-way tickets will increase an average of 15.7 percent across all fare zones, while 10-ride tickets will go up an average of 30 percent and monthly passes will increase an average of 29.4 percent.

Reduced fare one-way tickets will increase an average of 10.3 percent, reduced fare 10-ride tickets will increase an average of 18.9 percent and reduced fare monthly passes will go up an average of 10.8 percent.

Taken together, the overall average increase is 25.1 percent.

On Monday, Metra CEO and Executive Director Alex Clifford told the Chicago Tribune, the increase is necessary to "put Metra on a stable financial course."

"The additional revenue will help close a $53.6 million budget gap in 2012," according to Chicago Tribune reports.

Metra's increase comes several months after aldermen .

How It's Affecting Our Readers

One Facebook fan considered leaving from a different stop to help out with her fare. Another thought about it, but was deterred by parking concerns.

• Amy Litviak: i'll still be leaving from the oak forest stop but i have thought about moving to the Midlo stop because of the fair increase. i wish better customer service came with the fair increase.
• Jill Otrembiak: YES! My monthly ticket went from 116.10 up 149.50! But it still beats driving. And no I wont change stops, it is too close too home and I am not sure about enough parking in Midlo.

How will it affect you?