CTA Offers New Year's Eve Penny Rides

One-cent rides will be available from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. on New Year's Day

The Chicago Transit Authority continues its tradition of offering penny rides on New Year's Eve, a night notorious for alcohol consumption and late-night partying.

The one-cent rides will be available from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. this year.

The agency reminds riders not to use magnetic strip fare cards to pay for the discounted rides, which will be paid for by MillerCoors.

The CTA is also offering extra, late-evening train service for New Year's Eve.

The beer company has also teamed up with the Hailo taxi cab app service to offer $10 discounts on rides through Jan. 5.

At a Monday news conference, Chicago Police superintendent Garry McCarthy encouraged party-goers to celebrate safely.

"However you got from point A to point B on New Year's Eve, the only thing that matters is not to drink and drive. We all know how that can turn out," McCarthy said. "Whatever it may be, illegal and reckless behavior will not be tolerated on New Year's Eve. "We certainly don't want to discourage celebration, but just emphasize responsible ways to enjoy the occasion."

McCarthy said the department will have officers out in full force to ensure safety on New Year's Eve, including cracking down on individuals who fire guns in the air to celebrate the new year.

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