CTA, Metra and Pace launch new regional connect pass in Chicago

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), along with Metra and Pace, has announced that it has launched a new fare product that will give Chicago area residents unlimited rides on all three systems – at a reduced cost and with greater flexibility – when coupled with Metra’s new Super Saver monthly pass.

The Regional Connect Pass will be sold to holders of an unlimited ride Metra monthly pass and will provide unlimited rides all month on CTA and Pace with no day or time restrictions. The new pass replaces two current passes available to Metra monthly pass holders – the Link-Up Pass, which provided rides on the CTA during weekday rush hours and on Pace at all times; and the PlusBus Pass, which provided unlimited rides only on Pace.

“CTA led the way in offering ultra-affordable passes to our customers last year (2021) and we have seen a tremendous response,” said CTA President Dorval R. Carter, Jr. “As the transit landscape evolves in response to the pandemic recovery, our agencies are working together to position public transit as the most affordable, most convenient way to travel around the region.”

“The new Metra Super Saver monthly pass is already a great deal, and now the new Regional Connect Pass makes that great deal even better,” said Metra CEO/Executive Director Jim Derwinski. “Together, we are going to make public transportation more affordable and more convenient – and an irresistible alternative to driving and paying for gas and parking.”

Sound Transit launches new ORCA fare collection system

This new fare product is the latest step by the three regional transit Service Boards to adjust to changing ridership demand and patterns through regional fare and service co-ordination and by creating a more seamless transit experience through the Ventra app.

In 2021, CTA lowered the cost of all its unlimited-ride passes and made transfers between CTA services free. In addition to lowering the price of its monthly pass, Metra has also introduced new schedules and new day passes.

The Chicago Transit Board has approved the Regional Connect Pass, while the Pace Board will vote on the Pass on the week commencing 13 June 2022. Once approved, the Regional Connect Pass and Super Saver monthly pass will be available for purchase in the Ventra App and Metra ticket sales agents starting 20 June 2022.