Dec. 31--It's no longer called a "penny ride."
The CTA this year is changing the name of its annual six-hour tradition on New Year's Eve, which used to be known as the "Penny Rides" program.
All rides on CTA buses and trains will be free starting at 10 p.m. Wednesday, New Year's Eve, until 4 a.m. Thursday, New Year's Day.
"Because the cost of fares is fully covered by MillerCoors, we're calling it 'Free Rides' to prevent any customer confusion since we will not be accepting pennies for fares," Ibis Antongiorgi of the transit agency said via email.
The CTA set the price at 1 cent in the past but changed it to a freebie because it was more trouble than it was worth. Customers have sometimes tried to stick a penny into the wrong slot on bus fareboxes, jamming the machines, officials said.
Bus drivers and customer service assistants at the train stations will remind riders that they can come aboard for free, officials said. Those who tap their fare card during the promotion will be charged electronically for a full-price ride.
Officials said the number of people who end up paying for the free ride, which has been sponsored by MillerCoors since 2012, is "extremely minimal." Signs are posted, and the CTA will not give refunds to anyone who gets charged.
CTA is also adding service on certain bus and train routes as riders ring in the new year.
saho@tribpub.com
