Ventra app still experiencing issues after Metra ticketing fiasco

CHICAGO - Commuters using the Ventra app were still experiencing problems on Friday after technical issued plagued the launch of Metra's new ticketing changes.

Ventra provided an update on X, formerly known as Twitter: "The Ventra mobile app continues to experience issues with purchases for CTA, Metra and Pace passes and tickets. Riders unable to make purchases will be accommodated by transit personnel on buses, at rail stations and on the trains. We apologize for the ongoing inconvenience."

The Ventra app initially went down on Thursday for Metra riders on the first day that ticketing changes were supposed to go into effect.

The transit agency tweeted out the news around 8 a.m.: "The Ventra app is currently down. Their technical support is working to resolve the issue. Conductors have been notified and are allowing passengers to ride until the issue is resolved."

A message in the Ventra app read, "Server is currently unavailable. No connection to the server. Please try again later."

The changes to Metra include a revamped fare structure, ticket price increases, and the closure of all ticket windows.

Nearly 300,000 people ride Metra daily.

Screenshot of Ventra error message