Kids ride free on Chicago Metra December 16-January 1

(December 11, 2017) – Metra is extending its popular weekend “Family Fares” program to weekdays during the last two weeks of December, making it easy for families to enjoy the season without the hassle of driving. That means up to three children aged 11 and under can ride for free with each adult from Dec. 16 through Jan. 1.

Metra is also extending its $8 unlimited ride Weekend Pass over both three-day holiday weekends. Those who purchase our $8 Weekend Pass on board or at a station for use from Dec. 23 to 25 or for use from Dec. 30 to Jan. 1 will be able to ride our trains as often as they need to during each three-day period for one low price. Customers who use the Ventra App to make their purchase will need to select the special “Holiday 3-Day Pass” or “New Year’s 3-Day Pass” instead of the Weekend Pass to receive this special deal on those weekends. The special mobile pass will remain active throughout the long holiday weekend.

Making Your Metra Journey Easy

Metra offers the following tips for families traveling with children:

• Purchase your ticket in advance: Download the Ventra App and purchase your ticket with your smartphone from home. Tickets can also be purchased at the station (cash or credit) or on the train (cash only) if an agent is not on duty.

• Plan ahead: Check Metra’s website or the Ventra App to research schedules and to plan your trip. Remember to allow yourself a few extra minutes before your train departs if you need to find and pay for parking.

• Pick the best family travel times: Travel in the off-peak hours, outside the traditional morning and evening rush periods. This is when more seating is available, making it easier to find multiple seats together for your family and your belongings.

• Stow your stroller: Metra’s ADA-accessible cars, the ones that display the wheelchair logo next to the boarding doors, provide the most room if you need to stow a stroller.

• Learn where the best bathroom is: The ADA accessible cars also have roomy bathrooms that will allow you to assist your young adventurer should it be necessary.

• Skip the Quiet Car: If you do find yourself traveling during rush hours, Metra recommends that you avoid sitting in the designated Quiet Cars. Talking and cell phone use are discouraged on Quiet Cars so it’s probably not the best place to enjoy a train trip with your children. Quiet Cars are clearly marked as such on the exterior and interior so they should be easy to spot.

• If you need help, call us: Call our customer service number, 312-322-6777, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with any questions about train schedules and service. In the evening and on weekends, you may call the RTA Travel Information Center at 312-836-7000. Calls are answered from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day.

• Don’t forget your stuff: Before leaving the train, don’t forget to take a look around to see if you’ve left anything behind. It happens every day to even our most veteran customers. Each downtown station has a Lost and Found office or you can call to inquire if something was lost. Don’t fret – you’ll be surprised how many lost items are returned to their owners.

Special holiday schedules are in effect throughout the holiday season. To view schedules, please click here.