In an effort to test potential new fare-collection technology and gather data, Chicago’s Metra is launching a pilot program that will ask riders to either tap their Ventra card or show their paper ticket before boarding selected trains at downtown stations.

A major goal of the pilot, which begins in April, is to test the speed, functionality, and durability of new handheld devices to scan Ventra and paper tickets. Boarding riders will be stopped at the platform entrance and asked to present the QR code for a launched Ventra ticket or a valid paper ticket for scanning.

Metra’s Ventra Testing

The test is initially being conducted with off-peak trains to avoid boarding logjams, and may be expanded to peak trains if the initial tests go smoothly.

The test could be helpful for the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA), the new public transportation governance body that will be formed later this year.

NITA is required to integrate Metra, CTA, and Pace fares, and many potential integration solutions involve handheld scanners.

Data Collection

The pilot will also collect data on how many riders use paper tickets versus Ventra tickets on specified trains, when and where riders purchase their tickets, and their destinations.

A secondary benefit of the ticket checks is to assist with fare collection on the trains. Conductors will still validate tickets, but they won’t have to wait for riders to launch their Ventra tickets, speeding up collection. To further support that process, during the pilot, riders without a ticket will be asked to purchase one before boarding.