Back in October, Metra proposed a fare increase for 2018 to make up for the operating budget deficit that would most specifically impact riders closer to the city limits. While Metra has been continuously increasing prices over the past few years, 2018 marks the first year that the rail system will also see service cuts.

On Dec. 14, the Regional Transportation Authority’s Board of Directors approved fare hikes for Metra as well as the CTA and Pace for 2018. According to ABC7 Chicago, it’s been nine years since all three Chicagoland services saw an approved fare increase in the same year.

“The current situation is unsustainable and threatens the future viability of the important service Metra provides,” Metra Chairman Norman Carlson said in the press release. “With the proper amount of sustained public investment, we can create a system with a long and bright future. It is clearly in the interest of the citizens of northeast Illinois for Metra to do so.”

While CTA riders will see the increase in fares by Jan. 7, Metra riders won’t see the jump in prices until February. The price of a one-way ticket will increase by 25 cents in all zones, which is a 2.3 percent to 6.7 percent increase depending on the zone. Monthly passes will increase $9 to $12.50 depending on the zone, equating to $108 to $150 more annually. 

Some weekday trains will be eliminated or cut on the North Central Service, SouthWest Service, and Rock Island Line, which impacts communities like Joliet, Orland Park, and Rosemont. Weekend services will be cut on the Milwaukee North Line, impacting communities like Northbrook, Lake Forest, and Grayslake. 

The proposed cuts will save Metra about $3 million and the proposed fare increase will generate roughly $17 million.