Regional Connect Pass, Metra ‘Super Saver’ monthly pass could save riders $200 a month with greater flexibility

On June 8, the CTA, Metra, and Pace introduced the Regional Connect Pass, a new fare product that, when coupled with Metra’s new “Super Saver” $100 monthly pass being piloted this July-September, will give Chicago area residents unlimited rides on all three systems — at a reduced cost and with greater flexibility.

The Regional Connect Pass will cost $30 and will be sold to holders of an unlimited ride Metra monthly pass. The Regional Connect Pass will provide unlimited rides for a month on CTA and Pace with no day or time restrictions. This means for $130 a month, riders can enjoy unlimited rides on all three of the region’s transit systems.

“Chicagoland’s transit agencies are working together to make it easier and more affordable for everyone to use transit regardless of where they ride in the region,” said RTA Chairman Kirk Dillard. “Public transit contributes to our environmental, economic, and social health in ways and at a scale nothing else can. The RTA and the Service Boards have made a strategic commitment to lead the nation in delivering exceptional public transportation, and these reduced fares are just one example of our work toward that goal.”

The new Regional Connect pass replaces two current passes available to Metra monthly pass holders: the Link-Up Pass, which for $55 a month provided rides on the CTA during weekday rush hours and on Pace at all times; and the PlusBus Pass, which for $30 a month provided unlimited rides only on Pace.

These new fare products are the latest step by the three regional transit Service Boards to adjust to changing ridership demand and patterns through regional fare and service coordination and by creating a more seamless transit experience through the Ventra app.

Last year, the 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 also has introduced new schedules and new day passes. Learn more about current fare products.

The Chicago Transit Board approved the Regional Connect Pass on June 8, and the Pace Board approved it on June 15. The Regional Connect Pass and “Super Saver” monthly pass will be available for purchase in the Ventra App and Metra ticket sales agents starting June 20.

Quick facts

Who can use a Regional Connect Pass? The Regional Connect Pass is available to those who hold an unlimited ride Metra monthly pass. It is ideal for those Metra riders who also ride the CTA and/or Pace more than 6 days a month.
How does this fit in with the Fair Transit South Cook Pilot? All riders on the Metra Electric and Rock Island lines can get a monthly Metra pass for $70, with the stipulation that those passes are valid only on those two lines. Paired with the Regional Connect Pass, these riders can pay a total of $100 a month for unlimited rides on all three transit systems.
What are the savings for riders with these new fare products? Depending on their location, riders can save up to $200 per month, and enjoy greater flexibility, thanks to these new fare products.
What’s the difference between the new Regional Connect Pass and current passes available to unlimited ride Metra monthly passholders? The Regional Connect Pass offers greater flexibility for less money. It replaces two current passes available to Metra monthly pass holders: the Link-Up Pass, which cost $55 a month and could be used any time on Pace but only on the CTA during weekday rush hours, and the PlusBus Pass, which cost $30 a month but provided unlimited rides only on Pace.
How does one purchase a Regional Connect Pass and/or Metra’s Super Saver monthly pass? Starting June 20, the Regional Connect Pass and Super Saver monthly pass will be available for purchase in the Ventra App and from Metra ticket sales agents.
Learn more on CTA, Metra, and Pace websites.