Ventra app now working ahead of Monday morning rush
The Ventra app is experiencing "ongoing" issues Monday, despite Metra reporting the issues were resolved Sunday.
CHICAGO (CBS) – The Ventra app is back up and running following a systemwide issue that prevented passengers from purchasing tickets last week. The mobile app used by Metra, CTA and Pace failed Thursday and was glitchy Friday.
According to an alert on Metra's website: "Metra's mobile app vendor has worked diligently through the weekend to correct the issues from last week. At this point, the vendor is confident the app will perform as intended, in advance of tomorrow's morning rush hour."
Metra reported a systemwide outage on the Ventra app Thursday morning that lasted into the weekend with passengers receiving the message, "Server error occurred. Please try again later." Riders were able to show the message to conductors to board trains.
The issue came the same day as ticket windows permanently closed, including downtown, and fares for Metra trains were set to increase.
There was a backlog of buyers who wanted month-long passes. But they couldn't buy them until Thursday. The sheer volume overwhelmed the system.
The promotional rates, including the $100 monthly pass many got used to during the COVID-19 pandemic, will go away, but the new fares will still be lower than customers have seen in the past. A Metra spokesperson said the changes will make it easier for commuters.
Metra has also undergone significant changes that will reduce its ten zones to four. A monthly pass in Zone 2 will run $75. In Zone 3, the price will be $110, and in Zone 4, $135.
On Saturday, Metra said charges should appear as pending and should drop in a couple of business days depending on the rider's financial institution. If charges are accepted, riders can email refunds@metrarr.com.
Test runs this weekend signal a smooth sail for Monday morning to track and ticket via Ventra.
Metra says if riders are worried about another malfunction tomorrow -- consider buying tickets in advance and storing them on a cell phone.
