Metra OKs new day pass, fare zone reassignments

Metra's board earlier this month approved a series of new fare pilot programs, including a day pass.

The Chicago commuter railroad also will test a plan to consolidate its outer zones and reassign certain stations to closer zones. The new fare programs are aimed at attracting riders and simplifying fare structure, Metra officials said in a press release.

Available only on the Ventra app, the "Round Trip Plus" day pass will provide unlimited travel between any two zones. The railroad aims to roll out the new pass in late summer.

"The pass will increase customer convenience, simplify fare payment, save time and encourage use of the Ventra app," Metra officials said, adding that 75 percent of riders in a 2017 survey said they were "likely or very likely" to use such a pass.

The railroad earlier this year hosted public meetings to gather feedback on the fare pilot programs.