Metra OKs split payments for online tickets

Metra is now allowing riders to split their payments among credit and debit cards, including pre-tax transit benefit debit cards.

The move follows a recent survey that found 52 percent of Metra customers purchase tickets through a pre-tax or employer-paid transit benefit program, according to a news release from the Chicago-area commuter railroad.

Most transit benefit programs use a debit card system, where value is added monthly to the cards, which can be used only to purchase tickets. Because the IRS limits payroll deductions for transit to $130 per month, some riders need to use a supplemental form of payment to cover the cost of their trips, Metra officials said.

In the past, riders could split payments between more than one card only at Metra ticket agent locations.

"This new feature removes a huge barrier for more than half of our customers who take advantage of transit benefit programs and want the convenience of purchasing their tickets online," said Metra Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer Don Orseno.

The upcoming Ventra app will also allow customers to split payments between two options when purchasing mobile tickets.