Let Metra be your ride to this year’s Chicago St. Patrick’s Day and South Side Irish parades on Saturday, March 12 and Sunday, March 13. 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 city events and that’s why we’re happy to provide extra service,” said Metra CEO/Executive Director Jim Derwinski. “After two years without a parade due to the pandemic, we expect a large number of Chicagoans to want to celebrate one of the city’s favorite holidays and My Metra is the most affordable, smart and safe choice for anyone planning to go to the parades.”
Metra’s Day and Weekend pass options 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 downtown terminals. Customers are advised to purchase tickets in advance, and ticket agents will staff some outlying stations Saturday to accommodate purchases. While the Day Passes will be for sale in advance at ticket windows and vending machines, Metra recommends downloading the Ventra App, which can be downloaded for free 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 March 12.
The organizers of Chicago’s 67th 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 12. On Sunday, March 13, the South Side Irish Parade will mark its 43rd 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 on our website, [metra.com]metra.com.
Alcohol is banned on all Metra trains on Saturday. On Saturday, March 12, bicycles also will not be permitted onboard. Customers are asked to not bring backpacks or water bottles on the trains all weekend and should also expect slower boarding at stations due to increased passenger loads and train crews taking extra time to ensure everyone’s safety.
