Anticipating high demand, Metra will add service on most of its lines and will offer a special, one-day only $5 unlimited ride ticket for Chicago Blackhawks fans attending Thursday's parade and rally at Soldier Field.
The special ticket will be available starting Wednesday morning from all ticket agents, Metra officials said. The ticket will not be available from ticket vending machines, but can be combined with Metra's "Family Fares" program, which allowed three children age 11 or younger to ride free with each adult fare.
Metra officials shared a schedule of service changes but warned that the schedule is subject to change. Riders should check MetraRail.com beginning Wednesday morning for an updated schedule.
Thursday's parade begins at 10 a.m. at Monroe and Jefferson streets. A rally will follow at Soldier Field.
Morning and evening rush-hour Metra trains, as well as trains immediately before and after the events, are likely to be very full. Delays are expected.
Due to the event, bikes and alcohol will be banned from all trains on Thursday. In addition, Quiet Car rules will be suspended during both rush hours, Metra said.
The transit agency said nearly 85,000 tickets were sold for the Blackhawks rally in 2013, representing about 170,000 rides. In total, Metra carried about 425,000 passengers on the day of the 2013 rally, the second highest daily total in Metra’s history and about 46 percent higher than a typical Friday in June.
The last time the Hawks won the Stanley Cup, the parade traveled through Chicago streets, ending in a rally at Grant Park. More than two million fans flocked to the city to celebrate the team and their victory.
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The Hawks took over the sports world Monday with a thrilling 2-0 victory at the United Center, marking their third Stanley Cup victory in six seasons and their first championship win on home ice since 1938.
