Let Metra be your ride to this year's Chicago St. Patrick's Day and South Side Irish parades on Saturday, March 11, and Sunday, March 12. Metra will offer extra trains, including some express service, on seven of its 11 lines on Saturday, March 11. On Sunday, March 12, the South Side Irish Parade will mark its 44th year of marching through the Beverly and Morgan Park neighborhoods. The Rock Island Line's 103rd Street/Beverly Hills and 111th Street/Morgan Park stations are within walking distance of the parade route down Western Avenue. Details about train service for both events are available at https://metra.com/alternate-schedules.
Metra's $7 Saturday or Sunday Day Passes allow unlimited travel on either day. The $10 Weekend Pass (available only through the Ventra App) allows unlimited travel on both days. An adult rider may use either pass and bring up to three children aged 11 and under to ride free as part of Metra's Family Fares.
Due to expected crowds, alcohol and bicycles are banned on all Metra trains on Saturday, March 11, and Rock Island Line trains on Sunday, March 12. In addition, customers are asked not to bring backpacks or water bottles on the trains Saturday. They should also expect slower station boarding due to increased passenger loads and train crews taking extra time to ensure everyone's safety.