Metra Offers Free Rides To Commend Survivors Of Polar Vortex

CHICAGO — Metra is offering free rides for an entire weekend for the first time in its history. The railway said the promotion is aimed to increasing weekend ridership while commending Chicago area residents for coping with recent extreme cold.

“We survived the polar vortex — now let’s have some fun,” said Jim Derwinski, Metra CEO and executive director. No tickets will be needed for any riders on any Metra line Saturday and Sunday.

With many schools closed Monday to mark Presidents Day, Metra is offering its "Family Fares" deal. Up to three children under the age of 12 will be able to ride free with every paying adult.

“There is a lot to do in Chicago and the suburbs and Metra can take you there," Derwinski said, in a release.

It suggested a visit to the final weekend of the Chicago Auto Show. New express service is available from Blue Island to McCormick Place.

The Adler Planetarium and Shedd Aquarium will both be free for Illinois residents on Monday, and the Field Museum is free for all Illinois residents during February.

"We’re hoping this weekend will convince people who have never ridden Metra or who haven’t ridden Metra in a while to become paid customers in the future,” Derwinski said.