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Beginning tomorrow, commuters who use Metra trains in the Chicago area will be able to use debit and credit cards to buy tickets online for the first time. Metra's Web site will enable riders to use their Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover credit or debit cards to purchase up to two monthly passes and three 10-ride tickets per transaction. Once a commuter purchases the tickets, Metra will mail them to the buyer's home. The Web site also will enable commuters to manage their accounts online and set up personalized e-mail alerts. By March 2010, Metra riders will be able to use payment cards to buy tickets from station ticket agents or from vending machines. Metra historically has accepted only cash and checks for ticket purchases, a spokesperson tells ATM&Debit News, a CardLine sister publication. Metra decided to accept cards after the Illinois Legislature passed a law this summer, requiring Metra to accept credit and debit cards, says another Metra spokesperson. The commuter rail line expects 75% of commuters to purchase tickets with either a credit or debit card, the spokesperson adds. Bank of America Corp. is the merchant acquirer, and CyberSource Ltd. will process card transactions. Metra operates 11 routes, providing 317,000 passenger trips per day.
