Metra to offer discounted and free rides for Christmas, New Year’s Eve

CHICAGO - Metra is offering discounted or free rides for families during the holiday season.

The agency said the free and reduced rides will make it easier for families to get around for the holidays.

Family Fares

Metra is extending its family fares deal, including weekdays, starting this week through Dec. 29. Family fares allow up to three kids age 11 and under to ride free with each adult.

Family fares are always available for weekend travel.

Holiday special pass

On Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, Metra will offer a special $7 pass that allows for unlimited rides throughout the day.

Customers can purchase a holiday pass from ticket vending machines, from conductors and on the Ventra app.

Metra will also offer free rides on all trains arriving at or departing from Metra’s downtown stations after 6 p.m. on New Year’s Eve.

Alcohol will be banned on all trains after 7 p.m. on New Year’s Eve.

Holiday schedules

Christmas Eve, Dec. 24: All lines will operate on reduced schedules.

Christmas Day, Dec. 25: All lines will be operating on Sunday schedules. There will be no service on the Heritage Corridor, North Central and Southwest Service lines.

New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31: All lines will operate on reduced schedules.

New Year’s Day, Jan. 1: All lines will operate on Sunday schedules. There will be no service on Heritage Corridor, North Central and Southwest Service lines.

For a more complete look at Metra's train schedules, visit metrarail.com.