Metra Riders To Experience Fare Hikes Feb. 1

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.

Riders who travel from Libertyville or Prairie Crossing Station in Zone H, a one-way ticket would go up from $6 to $6.75; a 10-ride ticket would increase from $48.05 to $60.75; and a monthly pass would go from $152.55 to $192.25.

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.