Metra
Metra on April 6 will start a pilot program asking riders to launch their Ventra electronic ticket on their smart phone or show their paper ticket before boarding selected trains at downtown stations. A goal of the pilot is to test the speed, functionality, and durability of new handheld devices to scan Ventra and paper tickets, the commuter railroad reported March 19. Boarding riders will be stopped at the entrance to the platform and asked to present the QR code of a launched Ventra ticket or a valid paper ticket for scanning.
The test is being conducted initially with off-peak trains to avoid logjams during boarding and if it goes smoothly, it may be expanded to peak trains, according to Metra.
“The test could be helpful for the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA), the new public transportation governance body that will be formed later this year,” the railroad reported. “NITA is required to integrate Metra, Chicago Transit Authority, and Pace bus fares, and many potential integration solutions involve the use of handheld scanners. The pilot also will collect data on how many riders are using paper tickets vs. Ventra tickets on specified trains, when and where riders purchase their tickets, and their destinations. This information could also be useful to NITA.”
According to Metra, a secondary benefit of the ticket checks is to assist with fare collection on the trains. Conductors will still validate tickets, but they won’t have to wait for riders to launch their Ventra tickets, speeding collection, the railroad noted. To further help with that process, during the pilot riders who do not have a ticket will be asked to purchase one before boarding, it added.
Further Reading:
- RTA Board Approves 2026 Regional Operating Budget and Capital Program
- Gov. Pritzker Signs NITA Act Into Law
- Chicagoland Transit Gets Reprieve
SacRT
SacRT on March 16 reported that it is hiring 10-20 additional Transit Ambassadors (TA), with a goal of building a team of 55. Alongside security guards and the contracted Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department personnel, these new TA positions are said to support the transit agency’s vision of having a safety staff member on every light rail train and improving the overall customer experience.
TAs are described as “customer-focused team members who help ensure riders feel safe, supported, and welcomed on light rail trains.” Transit Ambassadors do not get physically involved in incidents, according to SacRT; they observe situations and report any safety or security concerns to local law enforcement through the SacRT Security Operations Center. Those selected for the role participate in a three-month Transit Ambassador Training Academy, including scenario-based instruction led by former law enforcement professionals.
According to SacRT, TAs receive a “comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support their health, financial stability, and work–life balance.” This includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, access to flexible spending accounts, vacation and sick leave, paid holidays, and a free SacRT transit pass for employees and eligible dependents. Retirement benefits include either a defined benefit pension plan or a 401(a) defined contribution plan depending on bargaining unit, with the option to participate in a voluntary 457(b) savings plan, the transit agency reported. Additional benefits include company-paid life insurance, optional supplemental life insurance, an Employee Assistance Program, education reimbursement, and discounted theme park tickets. SacRT also provides all required uniforms and safety boots at no cost to Transit Ambassadors.
SacRT is offering recruitment events on March 20 and April 8. This is the first time, it said, that such events are dedicated exclusively to a single position; they will give prospective applicants a “hands-on opportunity to explore the role and meet the team.”
“These recruitment events offer a unique, firsthand look at what it means to serve as a Transit Ambassador,” SacRT General Manager/CEO Henry Li said. “Safety is our top priority, and expanding our Transit Ambassador team is a key part of our commitment to ensuring riders feel supported on every train, every day.”
“Transit Ambassadors play an essential role in creating a safe, welcoming environment for our riders,” SacRT Board Chair and Elk Grove Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen added. “These events allow applicants to understand the importance of the position, the training and support they receive, and the meaningful impact they can have on our transit community.”
Further Reading:
- California Investing $97MM in Rail Transit Projects
- SacRT Invests $1MM in Safety, Security Program (part of Transit Briefs)
- SacRT Launches Transit Connect App (part of Transit Briefs)
Denver RTD
Denver RTD engaged with more than 375 customers traveling for spring break on Friday, March 13, helping them navigate the 23-mile “A” commuter rail line between Denver Union Station and Denver International Airport and learn about the new fare payment option, Tap-n-Ride, according to the agency.
RTD said it teamed with airport staff at Denver Airport Station and Northeast Transportation Connections (NETC) at Central Park Station, while RTD employees also greeted customers at Denver Union Station. Staff answered questions about schedules, fares, and trip planning as an estimated 5,000 people made their way to and from the airport ahead of spring break on Friday afternoon, RTD said.
A key focus of the outreach was Tap-n-Ride, which launched last November, and allows customers to purchase train and bus fares by tapping a contactless credit or debit card, or a mobile wallet such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay, directly on a validator when boarding.
RTD said the in-person outreach was designed to help customers “feel confident using the A Line during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.”
“It was important for members of the RTD Impact Team to be onsite, supporting customers as spring break travel commenced,” RTD Business Program Manager Betsy Hinojosa said. “When customers choose RTD, we want to give them the best customer experience possible. Part of that is being available to answer their questions in real time and help those taking RTD for the first time. Our presence was coupled with debut of RTD’s latest educational video, Take RTD to and from Denver International Airport, which highlights both bus and rail options to the airport.”
The A Line provides rail service and a direct connection between downtown Denver and Denver International Airport. RTD also offers several specialized motorcoach services to the airport, known as Skyride. These buses feature extra space for luggage, overhead and under-coach space for carry-ons, and driver assistance with loading and unloading luggage.
Further Reading:
- Denver RTD Releases 3Q Financial Results (part of Transit Briefs)
- Denver RTD Increases Rail System Fare Checks (part of Transit Briefs)
- Denver RTD Earns ‘Stable Outlook’ From Three Credit Agencies (part of Transit Briefs)
- Denver RTD Tabs Tran as CPO
- For Denver RTD, FY26 Budget Tops $1.5B
