Will County Gazette

As more people look to public transportation as a way to avoid higher gas prices, Chicago's commuter rail system has made it easier to get more for the price by offering a flat-rate unlimited monthly fare starting next month.

Metra recently announced a $100 flat-rate "Super Saver" monthly pass that can be used for unlimited travel throughout the city, according to a press release. Seniors, students, and children can save even more for the same pass with a price tag of $70. The "Super Saver" passes will be available for purchase starting June 20. 

"Put simply, this is a great deal. For the price of a tank of gas, or a trip to a baseball game, you can travel all over the Chicago area on Metra for a month," Jim Derwinski, Metra Executive Director and CEO, said in the release. "High gas prices already make Metra an affordable option versus driving, but this new monthly 'Super Saver' pass makes the choice even clearer."

Derwinski added the commuter rail service continues to recover from the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, part of which requires Metra to look at options to reinvent services with incentives to attract riders such as reduced fares. In the release, Derwinski said because the regional sales taxes funding the rail's operations have remained strong, federal funding received has been able to be used to benefit riders.

Back in March, NewsNation reported high gas prices could force Americans to use more public transportation. Traffic consultant Samuel Schwartz told WCBS Newsradio that typically there's a 2% drop in traffic for every 10% hike in fuel costs.

According to AAA, Illinois reached a record-high of $5.262 per gallon on June 2, which is nearly a $2.00 increase from this point last year. In Will County, gas prices were recording even higher at $5.492 a gallon.