Metra will offer free rides on all trains arriving at stations in the city center on New Year’s Eve, the agency said on Friday.

According to Metra, all passengers arriving at Ogilvie or Chicago Union Station after 6 p.m. on December 31 will not have to pay for a train ticket.

“This year many people will be returning to the traditional New Years celebrations and it is important that Metra is there to provide a safe mode of transportation for all who need to travel on this holiday night,” said Jim Derwinski, CEO by Metra. “The past two years have been tough for everyone, and the little gift of a free ride is the least we can do.”

On New Years Eve, Metra will operate on a Saturday schedule and accommodate the last outgoing trains on lines operating after midnight. Alcohol will be banned on trains after 7 p.m., Metra added.

Family Fares, which allow up to three children to travel for free with each paying adult on weekends, will be available on weekdays from December 20 to 31.

For Christmas Eve trips, Metra will offer a $ 7 day pass, which will offer unlimited rides through the rail system, according to a statement.

Metra also announced the following service plan for the holidays:

• On Christmas Eve, Friday December 24, and New Years Eve, Friday December 31, all Metra service will operate on a Saturday schedule. There will be no train service on the North Central Service, SouthWest Service and Heritage Corridor lines on these days. In addition, on New Year’s Eve, Metra will also maintain the departure of the last outgoing trains on all lines in service until at least 1:15 a.m.
• On Christmas Day, Saturday December 25 and Sunday December 26, Metra will operate on a Sunday schedule. There will be no train service on the North Central Service, SouthWest Service and Heritage Corridor lines on these days.
• A Sunday schedule will also be in effect on Saturday January 1 and Sunday January 2. There will be no train service on the North Central Service, SouthWest Service and Heritage Corridor lines on these days.