St. Patrick’s Day is a time for many of the city’s most iconic traditions, from dyeing the river green to thousands of people coming out to enjoy parades across the city and suburbs. Take parking and traffic worries off your mind and let Metra be your ride to this year’s Chicago St. Patrick’s Day and South Side Irish parades.
Metra is providing extra service, including some express service, on seven of its 11 lines, on Saturday, March 16 for the 69th Annual Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade. On Sunday, March 17, Metra is operating extra service on its Rock Island Line for the 45th Annual South Side Irish Parade.
The Rock Island Line’s 103rd Street/Beverly Hills and 111th Street/Morgan Park stations are within walking distance of the South Side Irish Parade route down Western Avenue. Details about train service for both events are available here. Metra makes it easier to enjoy Chicago’s favorite traditions by making travel to and from both parades hassle free.
“Riders know the value of taking Metra to big events and we’re happy to serve our community by providing extra service for one of Chicago’s most iconic celebrations,” said Metra CEO/Executive Director Jim Derwinski. “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.”
Metra’s Saturday or Sunday Day and Weekend passes offer values that can’t be beat. Our $7 Saturday or Sunday Day Passes allow for unlimited travel on either day. Our $10 Weekend Pass (available only through the Ventra App) allows for unlimited travel on both days. To make it an even better deal, either pass can be used in conjunction with Metra’s Family Fares, which allow up to three children 11 and under to ride for free with a fare-paying adult.
Due to our expectation of high ridership on the Saturday of St. Patrick’s Day weekend, Metra personnel will be checking tickets and requiring ticket purchases prior to boarding at most downtown terminals. While the Saturday or Sunday Day Passes will be for sale at vending machines, Metra recommends using the Ventra App, available from the App Store or Google Play, as the fastest and easiest way to purchase your ticket and keep it with you. Please note that student fares will not be available for onboard purchase on Saturday, March 16.
Alcohol is banned on all Metra trains on Saturday, March 16 and on Rock Island Line trains on Sunday, March 17. Metra also advises cyclists that Saturday is a bicycle warning date on all lines and Sunday is warning date for the Rock Island Line, meaning there may not be room for bicycles on the trains. Customers are also asked to not bring backpacks or water bottles on the trains Saturday and should also expect slower boarding at stations due to increased passenger loads.