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Metra Board Approves Fare Hikes For 2015

(CBS) – You probably saw them coming, like a train heading down the tracks: Metra fare increases.

The commuter rail agency's board on Friday approved plans for a fare increase that takes effect in February. Metra hopes to wipe out a $27 million budget deficit.

Metra Board OKs Fare Hikes

The increase will average nearly 11 percent, depending on type of ticket and length of ride. For some passengers, ticket prices could rise more than 20 percent.

The board plans more increases--68 percent over the coming decade.

Some of that future revenue is supposed to help modernize Metra's aging commuter trains.

Board members also directed Metra Executive Director Don Orseno to look at spending cuts for 2015.

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