Kids Ride Free on Metra For Last Two Weeks of 2016

From Metra Media Relations: Metra is making it easier for families to take in a variety of holiday events by extending its popular weekend “Family Fares” program to weekdays during the last two weeks of December. That means up to three children aged 11 and under can ride for free with each adult from Dec. 17 through Jan. 2.

“We want to make it as easy and stress free as possible for families to experience the magic of the holiday season,” said Metra Executive Director/CEO Don Orseno. “Leave the driving to us and let one of our safe, comfortable, reliable and cost-effective trains take you to your holiday destination.”

In addition, Metra will extend its Weekend Pass to cover each of the three-day holiday weekends during the season. For just $8, you’ll be able to take unlimited rides on Metra on Dec. 24-26 and Dec. 31-Jan. 2.

To help you enjoy all Chicago has to offer, Metra has compiled a list of family-friendly holiday events that are reachable via Metra. The list can be viewed at metrarail.com.

Making Your Metra Journey Easy

Metra offers the following tips for families traveling with children:

• Purchase your ticket in advance: Download the Ventra App and purchase your ticket with your smartphone from home. Tickets can also be purchased at the station (cash or credit) or on the train (cash only) if an agent is not on duty.
• Plan ahead: Check Metra’s website or the Ventra App to research schedules and to plan your trip. Remember to allow yourself a few extra minutes before your train departs if you need to find and pay for parking.
• Pick the best family travel times: Travel in the off-peak hours, outside the traditional morning and evening rush periods. This is when more seating is available, making it easier to find multiple seats together for your family and your belongings.
• Stow your stroller: Metra’s ADA-accessible cars, the ones that display the wheelchair logo next to the boarding doors, provide the most room if you need to stow a stroller.
• Learn where the best bathroom is: The ADA accessible cars also have roomy bathrooms that will allow you to assist your young adventurer should it be necessary.
• Skip the Quiet Car: If you do find yourself traveling during rush hours, Metra recommends that you avoid sitting in the designated Quiet Cars. Talking and cell phone use are discouraged on Quiet Cars so it’s probably not the best place to enjoy a train trip with your children. Quiet Cars are clearly marked as such on the exterior and interior so they should be easy to spot.
• If you need help, call us: Call our customer service number 312-322-6777 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with any questions about train schedules and service. In the evening and on weekends, you may call the RTA Travel Information Center at 312-836-7000. Calls are answered from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. every day.
• Don't forget your stuff: Before leaving the train, don't forget to take a look around to see if you've left anything behind. It happens every day to even our most veteran customers. Each downtown station has a Lost and Found office or you can call to inquire if something was lost. Don't fret – you'll be surprised how many lost items are returned to their owners.

Image courtesy of Metra Media Relations