Metra directors approved a $980 million operating budget for 2023 that continues a popular “Super Saver” monthly pass.
Metra directors opted to keep bargain fares offering flexibility to riders as they adopted the 2023 budget Friday, but the move will mean about $2 million less than originally estimated in revenues.
The agency will continue offering its popular $100 “Super Saver” monthly pass with unlimited rides, $6 daily pass in up to three zones and $10 systemwide daily pass.
The three products were introduced amid the COVID-19 pandemic in an effort to tempt passengers back after a record drop in ridership.
A preliminary budget presented in October recommended reverting to a discounted monthly pass with zones, but Metra directors opposed the change.
Federal aid will help the commuter railroad balance its budgets in 2023 and 2024, but a shortfall of $54 million is expected in 2025 when federal relief is used up.
The 2023 budget allocates $980 million for operations, including diesel fuel and salaries. It’s about $80 million higher than the 2022 amended version due mainly to inflation and adding employees, administrators said.
“We definitely have a lot of work to do in the next couple of years, not just for Metra but the entire public transportation system,” Executive Director Jim Derwinski said.
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