Metra to test fare zone changes

On July 15, Metra will roll out two fare zone pilot programs aimed at attracting new riders and simplifying the agency's fare structure.

The first program calls for consolidating outer zones and capping fares for trips over 45 miles.

The other pilot will reassign some stations to different zones to adjust "perceived inconsistencies between lines where nearby stations are in different zones," Metra officials said in a press release.

Both programs will be evaluated after a year to determine if they net ridership gains and if the changes should be made permanent. Later this year, Metra plans to test another program to introduce a one-day pass for unlimited travel between any two zones.

The day pass will be available for purchase on the Ventra app, which will be updated later this year.