Metra holiday fares perfect for family excursions

December 21, 2015

There's a lot going on in Chicago over the Christmas and New Year's holiday. Why not take the family on Metra for a holiday excursion while Metra is offering free rides to kids 11 and under with each fare paying adult? It's the perfect way to create memories.



KIDS RIDE FREE ON METRA TODAY THROUGH JAN. 3
Metra offers tips for traveling with family

Starting today, each fare-paying adult can bring up to three kids 11 and under for free on every Metra train through Jan. 3, 2016. Families traveling on a Saturday or Sunday can purchase an $8 Weekend Pass and travel with their kids for free all weekend long.

“The holidays are a great time to start new traditions by taking your family on Metra,” said Metra Executive Director/CEO Don Orseno. “Our goal is to be the safest, most convenient and cost-effective option for families traveling to and from the city this season.”

Making Your Metra Journey Easy
Metra offers the following tips for families traveling with children:

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• 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.
  
• 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 visit www.metrarail.com.