The end of the year is fast approaching and you should definitely consider Going Metro as you start making plans for New Year’s Eve because:

1. Who wants to ring in the new year while sitting in traffic (or a DUI checkpoint)?

Photo via Reddit: davidwalace

1. You’re going to want to party, which means you really shouldn’t be driving or doing this to your friends…

Yep, Metro will offer free rides on the night of New Year’s Eve from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Customers who board during designated hours will receive a free ride to their destination, whether it be to that last minute holiday party or home to the family.

On New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31: Metro buses and trains will follow their regular weekday schedules. Free fares will be in effect from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. After 2 a.m. please TAP to ride. Metro will provide overnight, 24-hour service on the Red, Purple, Blue, Expo, Green, Gold, Orange and Silver Lines in addition to bus lines which normally operate late-night owl service. Metro Rail and the Orange Line will run every 20 minutes from approximately 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. The Silver Line will run every 60 minutes from 12 a.m. to 4 a.m., following the same intervals as the late night schedule.

On New Year’s Day, Jan. 1: Metro will operate on a Sunday/Holiday schedule with enhanced and frequent Metro Rail service for the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game in Pasadena, and late-night Metro Rail plus Orange and Silver Line service until approximately 2 a.m. as New Year’s Day falls on a Friday this year. This means bus lines without Sunday service will not operate.

If you plan on counting down the New Year in Grand Park (which you should), the easiest way to avoid traffic and street closures is to hop on the Metro Red or Purple Line to Civic Center/Grand Park Station. Use the 1st Street exit, as the Temple Street exit will be reserved only for customers with disabilities and families with strollers until just after midnight. Present your TAP card at any Grand Park info booth and receive a free glow necklace to complete your festive attire!

One last reminder: free fares will only apply until 2 a.m. Fare gates will be unlatched between 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. and anyone who accidentally taps their card will NOT be charged. Those boarding buses and trains after 2 a.m. need to TAP to ride. One-way fare is $1.75 with two hours of free transfers. If you purchase a Metro Day Pass, it is valid until 3 a.m. the following day. Bottom line: Going Metro is cheaper than parking and both safer and far less expensive than a DUI.

Photo via Music Center L.A. Twitter.