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Comment by CrystalLangUser | Hacker News Reader

$7 one way?! I guess Chicago's spoiled me at $2.25.

I have a feeling that Chicago will switch to a distance based tap on/off system at some point. It just makes more sense to understand where people are actually using the system, and also prevents train dwellers riding nonstop all day.

The Metra is based on the distance that you go (well the zones).

Metra won't cost that past clyborn

Clybourn

Autocorrect failed me.

$2.25 on Metra or the L?

The El, not the Metra. Chicago is lucky with transit options. On Amtrak you could get from Chicago to Grand Rapids, MI in 4 hours.

I don't know if anyone will care, but I saw Grand Rapids, MI mentioned so I thought I'd throw my 2 cents in. I like taking Amtrak to Chicago from Battle Creek, MI. Usually about 3 hours, and that's my preferred way to go to Chicago for the weekend or longer.

Day trips are more interesting because of the South Shore Line.

http://www.mysouthshoreline.com/tickets/maps-stations

It's a electric rail that runs from South Bend, IN to Millennium Station in Chicago. Take something like a Cubs game. I drive 2 hours to the Dune Park station

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Marshall,+Michigan+49068/Dun...

From there I park for free and ride the train to Chicago and then hop the Red Line to Wrigley. Even if it's a night game I can still make it back to Millennium Station for the last train out at 12:45AM.

The South Shore Line is also great for conventions on the weekend because it stops right at McCormick Place.

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