CHICAGO — Public transportation in the city just got a major upgrade. A new Regional Day Pass is now available to help Chicagoans and suburban riders travel seamlessly across CTA, Metra, and Pace systems — all in one day and under one fare.
This initiative, introduced Friday by the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) in collaboration with the three major transit agencies, marks a significant step toward simplifying travel and boosting regional mobility.
Unlimited Travel, One Pass
The Regional Day Pass offers unlimited rides for 24 hours on all three systems, allowing riders to move across the region without needing separate tickets for each service.
“This fare product will allow riders to seamlessly travel across all three transit systems, as much as they want within 24 hours,” said CTA Acting President Nora Leerhsen, who called the new option both affordable and convenient.
The pass can be purchased through the Ventra app or a Ventra card, and pricing is based on Metra’s zone system. The weekday rates include:
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$10 for travel within a single Metra zone ($6 reduced fare)
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$13.50 for two zones ($8 reduced fare)
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$16 for three zones ($9 reduced fare)
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On weekends, the pass is available for a flat $9.50
Each option also includes full access to CTA buses and trains as well as Pace’s fixed-route service, creating a seamless day of regional travel.
More details from NBC Chicago highlight how this approach simplifies transit for commuters, event-goers, and visitors alike.
A Step Toward Regional Integration
Transit officials believe the new Regional Day Pass represents a meaningful step toward long-term fare integration across systems that have historically operated independently.
“This new pass is another major step forward in regional connectivity,” said Melinda Metzger, Executive Director of Pace.
As Chicago works to recover transit ridership post-pandemic, this effort hopes to reduce barriers to public transit and encourage more residents to ditch their cars for a coordinated, affordable ride across the city and suburbs.
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Will You Use the Regional Day Pass?
Is this something that will improve your commute or weekend travel plans? Let us know how this new option could benefit you and your community — only at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
