Let Metra be your ride to this year’s Chicago St. Patrick’s Day and South Side Irish parades on Saturday, March 11 and Sunday, March 12. 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 that’s why we’re happy to provide extra service for one of Chicago’s most iconic celebrations,” said Metra CEO/Executive Director Jim Derwinski. “With our Weekend Passes and Family Fares, My Metra is the most affordable, smartest and safest choice for anyone planning to go to the parades.”
The organizers of Chicago’s 68th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade strongly recommend taking public transportation to the event. Metra will be offering extra trains, including some express service, on seven of its 11 lines on Saturday, March 11. On Sunday, March 12, the South Side Irish Parade will mark its 44th year marching through the Beverly and Morgan Park neighborhoods. The Rock Island Line’s 103rd Street/Beverly Hills and 111th Street/Morgan Park stations are within walking distance of the parade route down Western Avenue. Details about train service for both events are available here.
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. Customers are advised to purchase tickets in advance, and ticket agents will staff some outlying stations Saturday to accommodate purchases. While the Saturday or Sunday Day Passes will be for sale in advance at ticket windows and vending machines, Metra recommends downloading the free Ventra App 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 11.
Due to expected crowds, alcohol and bicycles are banned on all Metra trains on Saturday, March 11 and on Rock Island Line trains on Sunday, March 12. Customers are 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 and train crews taking extra time to ensure everyone’s safety.