Switched from Metra to driving for my Loop commute and saved $60 a month

I was taking the Metra from Evanston every day for about 8 months. Cost me $4.50 each way plus parking. One day my train was cancelled and I drove in. Ended up finding a spot near my office for $12 flat. Now I drive every day and save around $60 a month even with gas. Anyone else ditch the train for driving and find it works better?

2 comments

2 Comments

ray_king12d ago

lol a buddy of mine from work tried the same thing last year. He lives out in Naperville and was spending like $200 a month on Metra tickets and parking, plus the train always smelled weird. One week he drove in every day and found some garage that had a deal for early birds, plus his car got him there faster somehow. He says he's saving like $80 a month now and he doesn't miss the train at all. I think it really depends on where you park and if you can get a good spot near your office though.

blairwhite11d ago

Wait, did your buddy try the spotHero app or just driving around randomly? I live in a similar area and what worked for me was finding a garage a few blocks from my building that does a monthly pass for less than what the train costs. It's like $150 a month and I'm not standing on a platform in winter anymore. @ray_king your friend is right that location matters. I have to leave 15 minutes earlier to beat the rush but my commute is actually shorter than the train plus walking. Plus no more getting stuck next to someone eating a smelly egg sandwich. The peace of mind alone is worth it.