Fall debut for Metra Web site and online ticket sales

Metra riders will be able to opt for plastic as well as cash starting Sept. 9 when they buy tickets.

The commuter agency released details of its revamped Web site on Friday. The redesign offers better guidance for Metra rookies on finding stations and routes, puts services advisories in a prominent place and offers a "my next train" feature.

But the most significant advance for many riders will be the ability to buy two-month and monthly passes online using credit or debit cards. Users will be able to access the Web site on a one-time basis or set up accounts with e-mail options. All purchases will be mailed.

The cost of designing, setting up and maintaining the site for three years is about $3 million. Metra also anticipates eating an estimated $3 million a year in fees to credit card companies.

But despite a budget forecast that shows revenues from sales taxes falling short of expectations, Metra officials said they would not charge for mailing or for transactions - yet.

In surveying other transit agencies, the practice is not to pass credit card fees on to users, Metra Chairman Carole Doris said. But "it's an option we will leave open," she added.

The Web site goes live Sept. 9. Another addition will be the ability to e-mail comments and observations about service.

The move comes in the wake of state lawmakers holding the agency's feet to the fire by passing legislation requiring it to allow sales of tickets by credit cards.

The site will accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover cards. Metra also plans to allow customers to use credit cards to buy tickets at stations in the near future.

One caveat - riders who use transit checks won't be able to apply those to online ticket purchases. Transit checks, administered by the Regional Transportation Authority, are a program allowing employees or employees to set aside a tax-exempt portion of salaries for public transit.