Metra to Start Accepting Credit Cards

By Tim State in News on Jun 13, 2009 7:15PM

Metra officials have their panties in a wad, but commuters will be singing for joy: beginning in September, Metra will begin accepting credit cards for monthly passes and 10-ride tickets. Thank you Sen. Michael Bond (D-Grayslake) for pushing through legislation that now requires Metra to accept credit cards.

While a convenience for customers, Metra will be paying a price -- to the tune of $3 to $5 million in transaction fees that are expected, along with $2.2 million in up-front capital costs. Metra has resisted the change due to costs, reportedly, and Metra Board member Jack Schaffer commented that unfunded mandates from Springfield are “a tradition.”

Riders who use “Transit Checks” obtained through their employers will not be able use credit cards with the checks, however. [WBBM]

Metra South Shore image by Merrick Brown.