Metra Offers Early Getaway Trains for Labor Day Holiday

CHICAGO, IL — If you’re looking to get an early start on the last holiday weekend of the summer, Metra is offering additional early departures from downtown on Sept. 2, the Friday before Labor Day.

Early departure schedules will be in effect on Friday, Sept. 2 for nine of Metra’s 11 lines. Most of these schedules include extra service prior to the regular 5 p.m. start of the rush hour, with the cancellation or modification of some later rush hour train schedules. A summary of the early departure schedules is attached to this release.

“Summer’s gone by too fast and we want to make it easy to squeeze in as much extra fun as possible this holiday weekend,” said Metra Executive Director/CEO Don Orseno. “Expanding our $8 Weekend Pass to include Labor Day, plus the fact that kids 11 and under can ride free, make Metra the most affordable choice for Labor Day weekend fun in the city.”

The Chicago Jazz Festival at Millennium Park, fireworks at Navy Pier and the North Coast Music Fest at Union Park are just a few of the many events to enjoy in the city over Labor Day weekend. Metra’s $8 Weekend Pass allows unlimited rides anywhere on our system. The pass, which is normally sold on Saturdays and Sundays, will also be available for travel on the Monday holiday.

On Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 5, Metra will operate all services on a Sunday/holiday schedule. Metra SouthWest Service, Heritage Corridor and North Central Service trains will not operate on Labor Day. Alcohol restrictions will also be in effect and no alcohol will be allowed onboard Metra trains after 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 1 and Friday, Sept. 2 and all day Saturday, Sept. 3 and Sunday, Sept. 4.

For complete schedules and more information, please visit metrarail.com.