COMMUTER RAILROADS - TICKETS
METRA ELECTRIC - 1980'S/1990'S
After the 1984 reorganization of the RTA, and the creation of Metra, ticket stock was standardized among all Chicago commuter lines, even those still operated by the private railroads under contract. The Metra Electric line (former Illinois Central) however required special magnetic tickets, due to the system of turnstiles originally developed by IC. But all Metra tickets would be honored on all lines, within the fare zones specified.
Shown are various Metra Electric magnetic ticket forms, issued either by downtown ticket agents or by vending machines. The "FOR EXIT USE ONLY" ticket was issued by the conductor on a train, accompanied by the cash fare receipt to the right. The serial number of an "exit ticket" and the cash fare receipt would need to match.