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10/14/2021
Metra has proposed a $900 million operating budget for 2022 that projects some ridership growth and funds the restoration of service to pre-pandemic levels.
To incentivize short trips and attract more riders, the Chicago commuter railroad is proposing to test a new $6 day pass that will be valid for unlimited rides within three zones for a full day. The operating budget proposes no fare increase.
The budget assumes Metra will begin the year with ridership at about 25% of pre-pandemic levels and finish the year at about 35%. That conservative assumption for ridership growth results in a projection of $146.4 million from fares and other system-generated revenue, Metra officials said in a news release.
The budget also proposes $458.8 million in revenue from the regional transportation sales tax and $202 million in federal COVID-19 pandemic relief funding. Metra is requesting an additional $92.8 million in pandemic relief funding from The Chicago area's Regional Transportation Authority, which is responsible for distributing the third round of federal aid.