The New Local Transit Bargain: Metra?

If you live near a Metra stop within the city and work downtown, the Sun-Times has a new money-saving suggestion for you: take the Metra. With more than 70 stops within city limits, the commuter train system could offer a cheaper alternative for transit riders, but what, specifically, are the savings?

Metra fares are determined by zones. The "A" zone is the cheapest -- a 10-ride ticket for an "A" zone stop, such as Clybourn or Western Avenue, costs $18.30, while a 10-ride for a "B" zone stop, such as Gladstone Park, Gresham or Rogers Park, costs $20.

Dozens of city Metra stops are in the A or B zones. That means a round trip to and from those stops would cost less than a round trip on the L five times a week -- which costs $22.50.

Of course, as the Sun-Times also points out, there are limitations to the Metra services, such as fewer trains, timetable restrictions, fewer transfer options (i.e., buses), and fewer locations.