The Chicago Traffic Authority announced Thursday that it will again offer free travel to passengers for a few hours starting on New Year’s Eve.
The annual effort is aimed at promoting a safe and responsible holiday celebration.
According to a CTA statement, from 10pm on 31 December until 4am on 1 January, CTA pilots will not have to touch their personal bank card or Ventra on train station turnstiles. or while getting on the buses.
Posters will be posted to remind travelers of the free attractions, CTA said.
“I sincerely hope that the availability of free and safe travel to the CTA on this New Year’s Eve night will mean a good healthy holiday for all children,” CTA President Dorval R. Carter Jr. said in a communiqué. “We wish all riders a safe and happy happy new year and encourage them to allow CTA to take the wheel tonight.”
As in previous years, no refund will be issued to customers who choose to touch their fare cards or use other forms of payment during the period. This is the eighth year in a row that MillerCoors is sponsoring the free travel program.
Passengers are advised to travel to and from events prior to 10 p.m. to purchase fares or recharge their Ventra cards in advance to avoid long lines at the train station’s vending machines, CTA said. The fare can be added through the free Ventra app, online, at train stations or at close to 900 local retailers.