Chicagoans ringing in the new year will have plenty of options for safe, free rides to and from their celebrations.
The CTA is offering free train and bus rides, and riders hailing Uber, Lyft or Curb drivers can get most of their ride costs covered, the Chicago Sun-Times is reporting.
Partygoers use those rideshare services between 5 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and 9 a.m. on New Year’s Day can send the bill to LegalRideshare, a personal injury law firm in Wrigleyville. The firm, dedicated entirely to rideshare accident and injury claims, will reimburse roundtrip rides up to $25 per person.
Between 10 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and 4 a.m. on New Year’s Day, customers can keep their cards in their wallets as they board CTA transit. According to the CTA, buses and trains will be free for all riders, and will operate with extended hours.
The transit agency has been offering free rides since 1985. Last year, the CTA provided nearly 97,000 free rides on the holiday.
Metra will also be extending its hours for evening trains on New Year’s Eve, and offering a “New Year’s 3-Day Pass” with unlimited rides for $8 from Dec. 30 to Jan 1. Through New Year’s Day, up to three children under 12 can ride free with each adult.
n600 E Grand Ave., Chicago
nNavy Pier will light up the night with its annual fireworks display to welcome 2018. Hang around the pier with family and friends for a variety of holiday events as you await the new year countdown. Fireworks will go off from midnight until 12:15 a.m.
n600 E Grand Ave., Chicago
nThe 6th annual Chicago Resolution Gala will be held in the Aon Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier from 8:15 p.m.-2 a.m. this New Year's Eve. Tickets start at $109 and include open bar access, an assorted buffet and live entertainment all night long. All guests must be 21 or older to attend.
n700 E Grand Ave., Chicago
nDon your best attire for an upscale affair at the Crystal Gardens New Year's Eve party at Navy Pier. A food and beverage package is included in the general admission price, along with party favors and photo opportunities. Prices are set to increase as the event draws closer, and special VIP tickets are also for sale.
n140 E Walton Pl., Chicago
nNow in its 18th year of production, Chicago Scene will host another massive New Year's Eve celebration at the Drake Hotel in downtown Chicago. This self-proclaimed "Vegas style" party will provide food and drink, music and dancing and a midnight balloon drop across five different rooms. Tickets start at $165.
n520 S Michigan Ave., Chicago
nNine different musical acts will perform live at Big Night's New Year's Eve Gala 2017. Your ticket will include a variety of food and drink stations as well as party favors and champagne for the midnight countdown. Food service ends at 10:30 p.m., but the bar will remain open through 1:30 a.m.
n36 W Ontario St., Chicago
nThe party is on all night at the Hard Rock Cafe in River North. Your $99 ticket includes an appetizer buffet, cocktail service throughout the evening and a glass of champagne to toast at midnight. Guests can also choose from a number of VIP packages with additional benefits. Open bar lasts from 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., but the celebration will continue until 4 a.m.
n720 S Michigan Ave., Chicago
nOne ticket to the Hilton Hotel's New Year's Eve Soiree on Michigan Avenue gets you access to three parties throughout the weekend. In addition to five hours of food, drink and dancing to the beats of popular 103.5 Kiss FM DJs, guests will also receive free entry to before and after parties to keep the celebration going. The hotel will also offer discounted rates on rooms to all party guests.
n600 E Grand Ave., Chicago
nSet sail from 9:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. on the Odyssey New Year's Eve dinner cruise. Guests will enjoy a four-course meal including open bar and champagne at midnight, as well as dancing and DJ entertainment throughout the evening. Be sure to step outside when the clock strikes 12 for a prime view of the Navy Pier fireworks. Tickets cost $299 per person and all guests must be 21 or over.
n4325 N Ravenswood Ave., Chicago
nCalling all beer lovers: The 2017 Brew Year's Eve celebration will serve 25 craft beers from 10 different Chicago breweries. Not a fan of beer? Five signature cocktails and a wine bar will also be available for guests, along with an array of hors d'oeuvres and a pizza buffet after the new year countdown. Tickets cost $135 per guest.
n875 N Michigan Ave., Chicago
nThe John Hancock Center will open its 94th floor observatory for a New Year's Eve extravaganza overlooking the Windy City. All guests will have unlimited access to Tilt, a moving exhibit that showcases the Chicago skyline. The party lasts from 9 p.m. until 1 a.m. and includes music and dancing, appetizers, party favors and two glasses of sparkling wine. Admission costs $70 per person.
nMultiple Locations
nTwo Wrigleyville bars will host a joint New Years Eve party featuring five hours of buffets and bar access. Dark Horse Tap & Grille and Houndstooth Saloon will open their doors at 9 p.m. to get the party started, but only guests who purchase tickets in advance will be granted entry. Admission starts at $49 and will increase as the event approaches.
Local
According to LegalRideShare, the city sees an increase in accidents and injuries around the holidays, and is hoping options like the $25 ride reimbursement will keep Chicagoans safe as they go to and from festivities.
“We’re urging everyone to plan a safe ride home before drinking this holiday season. This is a small token of our appreciation for the rideshare community and our commitment to safety,” attorney Bryant Greening said.
To get the reimbursement, riders should submit a screenshot of their rideshare receipt, along with their name, phone number and a copy of their valid driver’s license to help@legalrideshare.com by 11:59 a.m. on Jan. 2
