Metra news release:
Metra to boost service for Shamrock Shuffle
RTA grant helps cover additional costs of special events
(March 23, 2015) – Metra will operate extra early-morning inbound trains and early-afternoon outbound trains on several lines to accommodate participants and spectators attending the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle on Sunday, March 29, 2015.
One additional inbound train and one additional outbound train will operate on each of the following lines: BNSF, Milwaukee North, Milwaukee West, Rock Island District, Union Pacific Northwest, Union Pacific West and Union Pacific North. Details about the extra trains can be found on Metra’s website at www.metrarail.com.
The Shamrock Shuffle is an 8-kilometer race held each spring in downtown Chicago, beginning and ending in Grant Park. It attracts about 40,000 runners a year, ranking it among the 10 largest races in the United States. More than 90 percent of the participants live in the Chicago area, and race organizers encourage them and spectators to use public transportation to get to and from the event on race day. They also are encouraged to use public transportation when they pick up their race packets at Navy Pier on the Friday and Saturday before the race.
Metra’s added costs for the extra service for this event and others are being subsidized by an Innovation, Coordination and Enhancement grant from the Regional Transportation Authority.
Those who make the race a family event are reminded that Metra offers a special $8 unlimited ride weekend pass, and with “Family Fares” up to three children 11 and under can ride free with a fare-paying adult.
For additional information on the Shamrock Shuffle, go to www.shamrockshuffle.com.
