Metra, the RTA and Cook County have decided to extend the Access pilot by at least another six months, to Jan. 31, 2026.
Under the program, residents of the six-county area who are enrolled in the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, are eligible to apply for an Access permit that will allow them to pay reduced fares for Metra rides. The pilot started in 2024 and had been set to end July 31, 2025.
Access card holders are making about 15,000 trips on Metra a month, about 7 percent of all reduced fare rides.
Fully funding and expanding regional reduced fare and ride free programs increases access for residents who need it most. Making paying for transit more seamless and affordable is a commitment RTA made in its most recent action and advocacy plan, Transit is the Answer.
Central to expanding free and reduced fare programs is first understanding the program administrative cost and lost operating revenue borne by the transit agencies. Through partnership with Cook County, Metra, and RTA, the Access Pilot will answer these questions.
Anyone who is eligible for the Access permit can apply at GetAccess.org.
