Chicago IL – This Wednesday the 31st of December is New Years Eve If you’re planning on celebrating with friends and family in Chicagoland area at a Bar or Pub, or going to Navy Pier, or shopping at the Christkindlmarkt on the last day of the market for the 2025 season at the Wrigleyville location then going to the bar after words. How about relying on public transport and taking Metra train or a Pace Bus to your New Years Eve designation. According to a press release from Metra they will be offering free rides on all lines starting at 6 PM the Family fare will still be available till January 2 also Metra announced that there are no alcohol beverages or drinking alcohol on all the trains after 7:00 PM on all lines so drinking alcohol on the train after 7:00 PM will be banned on New Years Eve. Service on all line departing from Chicago has been extended till 1 AM so you won’t miss your ride home if you’re planning to calibrate the New Year in Downtown Chicago. If you’re planning to take the Southwest service to and from Chicago your last train will depart from Downtown at 12:45 AM. Just remember that all trains will be operating on their Sunday / Holiday Schedule on New Years Day except for the Southwest service and the North Central line will not be running on New Years Day. The Pace Bus System told Ben’s Media News that they are offering free rides to all passengers at 10 PM – 4 AM New Years Day morning January 1st, 2026, for those who are planning on drinking in Chicagoland area. So go out and have fun this New Years Eve and drink responsibly and Happy New Year. Here is the link to Pace Bus service note for New Years eve and New Year’s Day Christmas and New Year’s Day Service Notice | Pace Suburban Bus so you will be in the know before you head out tonight