Metro Transit to Offer Free Rides on New Year’s Eve

New Year's Eve is just around the corner, and local law enforcement officials are encouraging resident to plan a sober ride that night. Agencies including Minneapolis and Saint Paul police departments, Hennepin County and Ramsey County Sheriff’s Offices and the Minnesota State Patrol are calling on people to take advantage of free rides on all Metro Transit vehicles starting at 6 p.m. on New Year’s Eve running until 3 a.m. on New Year’s Day.

“We look forward to inviting everyone on our buses and trains as we join with our partners, working to ensure all those who travel with us get to their festivities and homes safely,” said Metro Transit General Manager Brian Lamb in a statement.

Metro Transit operators have given more than 1.3 million cost free rides over the span of nearly 20 years of providing rides on New Year’s Eve and Saint Patrick’s Day, according to a news release. Many of those rides represents someone who planned ahead and chose to have a Metro Transit operator be their designated driver, officials say.

“In Minneapolis alone, our police officers have arrested 697 drivers for DWI,” said Minneapolis Police DWI Officer Steve Wuorinen. “Don’t become number 698 this weekend.”

The METRO Green and Blue Line light rail trains and several local bus routes are in service past midnight. Metro Transit police officers will be riding trains, buses and patrolling the community with partnering agencies, working to ensure safe rides for all riders.

Riders can plan their trips through Metro Transit’s Trip Planner available online or through the agency’s mobile app. Riders can also call the Transit Information Center at (612) 373-3333.

Free rides will also be available on Minnesota Valley Transit Authority and Anoka County Traveler routes.

Image via Minneapolis Police Department