Fare Policies
South Shore Line uses a zone-based fare system, with prices based on the distance traveled and stations' proximity to Millennium Station. For Hegewisch station (Fare Zone 3), fares are set by Metra. Tickets can be purchased either at the station (if there is an agent on duty) or on the train. Passengers can also purchase 10-rides, 26-rides and monthly passes. NICTD assesses a $1.00 surcharge for passengers who buy ticket on the train after boarding at stations where the agent is on duty. Children 13 years of age or younger, seniors 65 or older and passengers with disabilities are eligible for 50% reduced fares.
As of January 2010, NICTD will only accept cash, though riders can buy tickets in advance using credit cards at NICTD's website. Vending machines that accept credit cards were installed in all major NICTD stations in 2010.
During the September 25, 2009 board meeting, NICTD voted to bring weekend and holiday fares in line with weekday fares on November 22, 2009, when the new weekend schedule will take effect. The weekend and holiday fares have been lower than weekday fares since 2003 as a promotion to encourage more riders. John Parsons, NICTD's marketing director, explained that the fare increase was needed to make up for a shortfall in revenue due to declining weekday ridership. The new schedule reduces the number of weekend trains that travel from Chicago to South Bend, with half of them now terminating at Carroll Avenue station.
During the January 29, 2010 board meeting, NICTD discussed raising fares 2% on June 1, 2010, and an additional 2% on June 1, 2011. Five public hearings were held in March 2010 to discuss this fare increase.
Read more about this topic: South Shore Line (NICTD)
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