Pass will allow customers to ride CTA, Metra and Pace with one day pass purchase
CHICAGO – Beginning today, riders can now purchase the Regional Day Pass, which allows unlimited rides on CTA, Metra and Pace in a single day – streamlining how people move across the Chicago region.
The new pass, available only in the latest version of the Ventra app (v 2.2.11), is a collaboration between the three transit agencies and the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) to advance fare integration and more seamless transit rider experience. It offers a more convenient and cost-effective option for regional transit riders.
“The new Regional Day Pass is a result of the collective efforts of CTA, Metra, Pace and RTA to make public transit the most affordable, convenient travel option in the region,” said CTA Acting President Nora Leerhsen. “This fare product will allow riders to seamlessly travel across all three transit systems, as much as they want within 24-hours, just in time for everyone to enjoy all that Chicagoland has to offer during the summer.”
“We are pleased to be able to partner with our sister agencies to offer this new pass to our customers and to be able to promote travel throughout the Chicago region, especially at the start of the summer season,” said Metra Executive Director/CEO Jim Derwinski.
The Regional Day Pass will cost $2.50 more than the usual Metra day pass and include full access to CTA buses and trains and Pace regular fixed-route service. Weekday prices are:
- $10 in Metra’s single zone travel area ($6 for reduced fare card holders)
- $13.50 in Metra’s two-zone travel area ($8 for reduced fare card holders)
- $16 in Metra’s three-zone travel area ($9 for reduced fare card holders)
All weekend Regional Day Passes will cost $9.50.
“This pass is another step in our shared effort to make transit more seamless and rider-friendly across the region,” said RTA Executive Director Leanne Redden. “It shows what regional collaboration can achieve—but it’s just the beginning. To build a truly connected transit system, we need both reform and support, including increased operating funding and action on proposed legislative changes that would centralize and make fare integration easier to implement and sustain.”
“This new pass is another major step forward in regional connectivity,” said Melinda Metzger, Pace Executive Director. “Whether you’re commuting to work, heading to a summer event, or just exploring the region, this pass makes travel easier, more affordable, and more accessible.”
The Regional Day Pass builds on the existing Regional Connect Pass for Monthly Pass users across all three operators and represents ongoing efforts to simplify the rider experience. While the pass is a positive step forward, regional leaders agree that more work is needed. Key reforms that were not passed by the Illinois General Assembly this spring could help formalize and expand integration efforts, setting the stage for broader system improvements.
How to Buy the Regional Day Pass
- Riders must have either a physical or virtual Ventra card registered with the Ventra app to which the Regional Day Pass can be added (you’ll use that physical or virtual card to board CTA buses and trains and Pace buses). If you don’t have a card, go to www.ventrachicago.com.
- Log into the Ventra app and tap “Buy Metra Tickets.” Select the Metra line you will be riding. If you’re riding more than one line, choose the line with the longer trip. Select the origin and destination for your longest trip.
- Select the Day Pass option and proceed to checkout.
- After clicking “Purchase,” click the “Add a Regional Day Pass” option. You’ll be asked to select the Ventra card you want to use for that pass.
- Click “Purchase” to review and complete the transaction.
Once purchased, the pass will appear in the Ventra app (must be using latest version 2.2.11) on your phone for Metra travel until 3 a.m. the next day and on your physical or digital Ventra card for CTA and Pace travel for 24 hours.
The RDP pilot is slated to continue for six months after launch with the potential for the agencies to offer it permanently in 2026, depending on funding availability.