New Chicago Regional Connect Pass Saves Money, Adds Flexibility

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra, and Pace introduced the Regional Connect Pass, a new fare product that, when coupled with Metra’s new “Super Saver” monthly pass, 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 all month on CTA and Pace with no day or time restrictions.  The new 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.

“CTA led the way in offering ultra-affordable passes to our customers last year and we have seen a tremendous response,” said Dorval R. Carter, Jr., CTA president. “As the transit landscape evolves in response to the pandemic recovery, our Agencies are working together to position public transit as the most affordable, most convenient way to travel around the region.” 

The Regional Connect Pass will be sold alongside Metra’s new “Super Saver” monthly pass, which will cost $100 during a three-month pilot program starting in July. That means the price for unlimited rides on all three systems will be $130 a month.

“The new Metra ‘Super Saver’ monthly pass is already a great deal, and now the new Regional Connect Pass makes that great deal even better,” said Jim Derwinski, Metra CEO/executive director. “Together, we are making to make public transportation more affordable and more convenient – and an irresistible alternative to driving and paying for gas and parking.”

The Chicago Transit Board approved the Regional Connect Pass, and the Pace Board will vote on the Pass next week. Once approved, 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, 2022.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer more connectivity between Pace, CTA, and Metra. This new pass will simplify transfers between services and offer even more affordability for regional commuters,” said Melinda Metzger, Pace executive director.