Commuters board a Metra train at Union Station in 2022. Photo: Jim Vondruska/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Starting Monday, Metra riders can show their ticket or Ventra app before they hop on the train.
Why it matters: Metra says the pilot is to test the speed, functionality and durability of new handheld devices conductors use to scan fares.
It will also collect data on how many riders are using the app vs. paper tickets.
Yes, but: Conductors will still validate tickets on the trains.
State of play: The pilot will take place at Union Station for two weeks before heading to other downtown terminals, spokesperson Michael Gillis tells Axios.
Metra is not announcing which train lines are included in the pilot, Gillis says.
Between the lines: The agency is using the test to help inform how Metra can integrate its fare with CTA and Pace, a goal of the new Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) launching this year.
📧 Tell us: how it goes next week, Metra riders.
