How to avoid traffic, parking costs while celebrating St. Patrick’s Day this weekend in Chicago

Whether you’re watching the Chicago River turn green or waving at marching leprechauns on the city’s South Side, public transit is your lucky charm this weekend, Metra officials said.

The commuter railroad is adding services to accommodate the thousands of people heading to the city for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

For starters, Metra will provide extra trains Saturday on seven of its lines ahead of the annual Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade downtown, including the BNSF, Union Pacific and Milwaukee District.

On Sunday, the agency will run additional trains on the Rock Island Line for the annual South Side Irish Parade.

Passengers should expect slower boarding times Saturday, and suburbanites returning home are advised that Metra will check tickets before boarding at downtown stations.

Alcohol is forbidden on all trains Saturday and on the Rock Island Line on Sunday.

Cyclists are advised that space on trains will be limited for bicycles Saturday and on the Rock Island Line on Sunday.

“We’re happy to serve our community by providing extra service for one of Chicago’s most iconic celebrations,” Metra Executive Director Jim Derwinski said in a statement. “In fact, for the first time, Metra will be joining in the celebrations with our very own parade float that will appear at both the Chicago and South Side Irish parades.”

The railroad has a $7 unlimited ride pass for Saturday or Sunday and a $10 weekend pass for both days. Three children ages 11 and younger can ride free with a fare-paying adult.

Meanwhile, the Chicago Transit Authority reminds riders that it offers a $5 one-day pass for trains and buses and a $15 three-day pass.

For information on revised Metra weekend schedules, visit metra.com/alternate-schedules.

https://www.dailyherald.com/20240315/news/how-to-avoid-traffic-parking-costs-while-celebrating-st-patricks-day-this-weekend/