Free New Year's Eve Rides Part Of Metra 2019 Holiday Schedule

CHICAGO, IL — Don't want to drive? Metra has you covered with a special holiday schedule. On Monday, Dec. 23, Tuesday, Dec. 24, Monday, Dec. 30 and Tuesday, Dec. 31, all lines except the Heritage Corridor will adjust schedules to add early afternoon departures from Metra's downtown stations to accommodate workers and shoppers leaving downtown early. Some normal rush-hour trains will be canceled on those days.

For the first time in its history, Metra will offer free rides on all trains arriving at or departing from Metra's downtown stations after 6 p.m. New Year's Eve. On some of its lines, Metra will hold the last train of the evening for a later departure time to accommodate customers attending New Year's Eve festivities downtown.

The last trains will depart between 1:10 a.m. and 1:25 a.m., depending on the line. Alcohol is prohibited on all trains after 7 p.m. on Dec. 31.

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Metra will also make special holiday passes available for unlimited travel Dec. 24 and 25 and Jan. 1. The Dec. 24-25 pass will cost $10 for unlimited rides and a $5 unlimited ride pass will be available for travel Jan. 1. The regular $10 weekend pass will also be available for Dec. 21-22 and Dec. 28-29.

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Metra hasn't left out families for its holiday season deals and will expand its Family Fares program on weekdays from Dec. 23 to Jan. 3 for the holiday break, meaning Family Fares will be in effect from Dec. 21 through Jan. 5. Family Fares, which are always available for weekend travel, allow up to three kids 11 and under to ride free with each adult.

A Sunday/holiday schedule will be in effect on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. There will be no service on the North Central Service, SouthWest Service and Heritage Corridor lines on those days.

More: >> 2019 Holidays: Metra Added/Modified Service