As a new Metra rider, I want to understand the best way to purchase tickets, especially using the Ventra app. Please tell me where I can purchase tickets to avoid any extra fees, and provide detailed instructions on how to activate a ticket purchased through the Ventra app, including how long before boarding I should activate it and how to display it to the conductor.
Navigate to 'metrarail.com'. Click on the 'Expand menu Tickets' link (id: 70). Click on the 'How to Purchase Tickets' link (id: 75). Identify the methods for purchasing tickets that avoid extra fees. Click on the 'How to use the Ventra app' link (id: 188). Locate and extract details on how to activate a ticket using the Ventra app. Identify the recommended timeframe for activating a ticket before boarding. Find information on how to display the ticket to the conductor. Summarize the ticket purchase methods to avoid fees, and the Ventra app ticket activation and display process.
The agent successfully navigates to the 'How to Purchase Tickets' section. The agent identifies that tickets can be purchased at stations from vending machines or via the Ventra app to avoid extra fees, and explicitly mentions the $5 surcharge for purchasing on the train if a vending machine was available at the boarding station. The agent successfully navigates to the 'How to use the Ventra app' page. The agent details that a ticket is activated by tapping 'Use Ticket' in the app. The agent states that a ticket should be activated just prior to boarding the train. The agent explains that the activated ticket is displayed on the smartphone screen to the conductor.