The Metra board voted overwhelmingly today to raise the price of the popular 10-ride tickets by about 11 percent.
The 8-2 vote comes just one year after Metra riders were hit with the biggest fare hike in the commuter rail line's history.
The increase to the 10-ride ticket would range from $2.75 to $9.25, depending on the distance. In effect, 10-ride ticket buyers would be deprived of the discount traditionally associated with the ticket. Currently, 10-ride tickets cost the equivalent of nine rides.
The board took the action after about 40 minutes of discussion.
"Let's try to run this place like a business," argued board member Jack Schaffer, who supported the hike. "Smart businesses price their product well."
But board member James LaBelle said he was opposed to the increase because "I think its unfair to single out one set of riders."
Board members disagreed on even calling the hike a fare increase.
But Mike McCoy, a board member from Kane County who opposed increase, said "to phrase it any other was is disingenuous."
The public will have a chance to comment on the increase during public hearings to be held on Dec. 11. The board will then formally vote to include the hike in the agency's new budget. The increase is expected to go into effect Feb. 1.
Ten-ride ticket users account for about 22 percent of Metra's ridership. Customers who use monthly passes — about 57 percent of Metra's riders — and those who buy single tickets would not see their fares increase.
Metra's staff estimates the fare increase would produce $8.3 million in 2013 to help meet the agency's capital needs. Those include system improvements, maintenance and equipment.
Unveiling a proposed 2013 budget totaling $713.5 million last month, Metra officials warned that they would consider "scenarios" for raising fares up to 10 percent but did not specify any options.
Friday's recommendation comes as a result of discussions among board members and Metra staff, officials said.
Spokesman Michael Gillis said Thursday that the agency wants to use the $8.3 million in additional revenue as a match to obtain federal dollars for capital needs. Metra needs about $7.4 billion over the next 10 years to keep the commuter rail line in what officials call a "state of good repair."
Metra OKs hiking 10-ride ticket by 11 percent
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Metra OKs hiking 10-ride ticket by 11 percent
