St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago can be one of the most fun holidays of the year, but at the same time can be one of the most frightening for commuters. Enter local transit resources Metra and CTA, making the day safer for the entire metro.

The South Side Irish Parade takes place on Sunday, March 11th, and the Metra Rock Island Line is making extra stops at 103rd and 111th Streets.

According to Metra CEO/Executive Director Jim Derwinski, “Riders know the value of taking Metra to city events and that’s why we’re happy to provide extra service.”

That value being essentially a chauffeur for only $10 with Metra’s Weekend Pass which offers unlimited rides on Saturday and Sunday. That pass can be purchased at any open Metra station, on the train, or through the Ventra website where passengers can load the pass directly onto their personal Ventra card.

For the South Side Irish Parade, parking restrictions will begin at 6 a.m. on Western Avenue between 99th Street and 119th Street. There will also be limitations on parking and access for all side streets a block in each direction from Western through that stretch. All restrictions should be picked up by 3 p.m.

Because of this, the #49 Western bus is expected to be rerouted as well as the #103 103rd Street buses and the #112 Vincennes/111th buses.

For March 17, the actual St. Patrick’s Day holiday, Metra will be providing extra trains on eight lines in anticipation of downtown visitors. This is also expected of the CTA, though no statement has been made at this time.

Per Metra: All Metra customers should be advised that alcoholic beverages will not be allowed on Rock Island Line trains on March 11 and on all trains on March 17. In addition, due to the expected high ridership, there is an increased likelihood that Metra will not be able to accommodate bicycles on Rock Island trains on March 11 and on all trains on March 17. Customers should also expect slower boarding at stations due to increased passenger loads and train crews taking extra time to ensure everyone’s safety.