CTA Offering Free Rides New Year's Eve Courtesy of Miller Lite

The Chicago Transit Authority will be offering free rides on all buses and trains this New Year’s Eve.

Starting at 10 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 31, riders going to parties, bars and other events can hop on a bus or el and ride for free. The free rides continue until 4 a.m. Friday, Jan. 1. Riders are encouraged to leave their keys at home and let CTA be their designated driver for the evening.

MillerCoors’ Miller Lite has sponsored the popular free ride program for the last four years. The beer company is picking up the costs for all CTA riders and CTA operating costs during the service hours.

In addition to the free rides, the CTA is offering extended hours of operation and/or increasing the frequency of service the more heavily used bus and rail routes, offering a convenient, safe and affordable travel alternative for those out celebrating the New Year.

The CTA reminds customers that it won’t be necessary to touch their fare or personal bank cards at rail station turnstiles or to board buses while the free-ride service is in effect. Ventra readers at rail stations will be turned off and will not read any cards during the promotion.

Riders who elect to touch their fare card or other form of payment on fare-card readers during the free-ride period will NOT be issued refunds.

There will be signs reminded riders of the free New Year’s Eve service.

In anticipation of increased ridership due to New Year’s Eve celebrations, CTA is providing extra rail and bus service across several rail lines and bus routes.

RAIL SERVICE

Red Line

Longer trains will operate until 3 a.m. In addition, trains will operate more frequently from approximately 1 a.m. until 2 a.m.

Blue Line

Longer trains will operate beginning at 10 p.m. until 3 a.m. In addition, trains will operate more frequently from midnight until 3 a.m.

Green Line

Longer trains will operate beginning at 6 p.m. until end of service from Harlem and from 7 p.m. until end of service from Ashland/63rd and Cottage Grove. The last Green Line train from the Loop will depart at approximately 1:40 a.m.

Brown Line

Longer trains will operate beginning at 9:30 p.m. until end of service. The last Brown Line train from the Loop will depart at approximately 2:20 a.m.

Orange Line

Longer trains will operate from 7 p.m. until end of service. The last Orange Line train from the Loop will depart at approximately 1:40 a.m.

Yellow Line

Yellow Line trains will continue to operate until approximately 2 a.m., from Howard.

Purple Line

Longer trains will operate from 7:30 a.m. until end of service. Purple Line trains will continue to operate until approximately 2 a.m., from Howard.

BUS SERVICE

In anticipation of increased ridership due to New Year’s Eve celebrations, several bus routes will provide more frequent service and/or extended hours. For more information please visit:

#4 Cottage Grove

#6 Jackson Park Express

#22 Clark

#29 State

#65 Grand

#66 Chicago

#77 Belmont

#124 Navy Pier

#151 Sheridan