Los Angeles Metro free rides will support New Year’s celebrations, Rose Parade travel, and safer mobility for millions of riders
In an effort to reduce traffic congestion, improve public safety, and ensure broad access to major celebrations, Los Angeles Metro announced that all passengers will be able to ride for free on December 31, from 4:00 a.m. through 3:00 a.m. on January 1, as part of its transportation plan to welcome New Year’s Day 2026.
The initiative is designed to provide a reliable and practical alternative for residents and visitors attending concerts, celebrations, and family gatherings across the region, while also discouraging driving on one of the nights historically associated with higher rates of alcohol-related traffic incidents in California.
Key Transportation Option for January 1 Signature Events
Metro also confirmed that on January 1, the A Line (formerly the Gold Line) will serve as a primary transit option for those attending the Rose Parade (Tournament of Roses Parade) and the Rose Bowl Game in Pasadena.
The A Line includes four stations located near the parade route:
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Del Mar
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Memorial Park
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Lake
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Allen
Transportation officials advise riders to arrive early and plan ahead due to the large crowds expected. The Rose Parade draws hundreds of thousands of attendees each year, along with national and international visitors.
Festive Experience With a Family-Focused Approach
As part of the holiday season, Metro has added festive decorations, digital messages, and special signage across trains, buses, and stations. The effort is intended to enhance the rider experience during the holidays and reinforce public transit as an accessible, family-friendly space, particularly for children and older adults.
This approach aligns with Metro’s broader efforts to strengthen rider confidence in safety, comfort, and service reliability during high-demand periods.
A Continuing Holiday Transportation Policy
The New Year’s Eve free rides follow complimentary service offered on December 24 and 25, a tradition Metro has maintained in recent years to support mobility during Christmas Eve and Christmas Day—key dates for family gatherings and community activities.
Urban planning and transportation experts note that such initiatives not only help ease roadway congestion but also reinforce public trust in mass transit as a practical solution for large metropolitan areas like Los Angeles.
Rider Planning Recommendations
Metro encourages riders to:
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Plan trips in advance
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Check schedules and connections in real time
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Use stations closest to major events
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Allow extra travel time during peak hours
These steps are intended to minimize delays and ensure a smooth travel experience during one of the busiest times of the year.
Accessible Mobility for a Diverse City
Free holiday transit serves as an important mobility access tool in a city where millions of residents—including working families and multigenerational households—rely on public transportation to fully participate in the region’s cultural and civic life.
With this initiative, Metro reinforces its role as essential infrastructure supporting mobility, safety, and inclusion during celebrations that define Los Angeles’ social calendar.
