Ahead of July 4, Metra adds and shifts train departures

Metra will add and shift train departures starting Friday to accommodate travelers heading out of town for the July 4th weekend.

Early getaway service will be offered Friday and service will be altered on Monday on most lines to help customers get a jump start on their Fourth of July celebrations.

Trains will operate on a regular Saturday schedule on Saturday and on a Sunday/holiday schedule on Sunday.

On Monday, Metra will run a weekday schedule, with some adjustments on the BNSF, Milwaukee District North, Milwaukee District West, SouthWest Service, and three Union Pacific lines.

Metra will operate a Sunday/holiday schedule on Tuesday -- July 4 -- meaning the Heritage Corridor, North Central Service and SouthWest Service lines will not operate. In addition, the UP North Line will hold inbound Train 826 until 10:25 p.m., 15 minutes later than scheduled, to accommodate passengers attending the Naval Station Great Lakes 4th of July Celebration. Trains on other lines may be held to accommodate festival attendees as needed.

Metra is offering a special $8 holiday pass good for unlimited travel on July 4. The pass can be purchased with cash on the train or via the Ventra App, which can be downloaded through the App Store or Google Play. As always, Metra's $8 Weekend Pass offers unlimited rides on Saturday and Sunday. And, throughout the summer, up to three kids 11 and under can ride free with each adult.

For more information, visit: https://www.metrarail.com/