PORTLAND, Ore. — Planning to ring in the new year at a friend's house or a bar? There's an option to get you from your celebration back to your home safely — for free.
TriMet will once again offer free bus, MAX train and Portland Streetcar service to people on New Year's Eve to help them get home safely.
For years, the public transit agency has partnered with the Oregon Department of Transportation to provide rides free of charge on the last day of the year.
Buses will operate on regular Saturday schedules on Dec. 31. All MAX trains will also operate on Saturday schedules, and the majority of them will run on extended service until at least 2 a.m.
"With December being National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, we urge people to consider how they're going to get home before they step out the door," said TriMet in a statement. "It also gives peace of mind to anyone choosing to take transit over a car when traveling during one of the busiest nights of the year."
People looking to take advantage of the free rides can plan their trip in advance at TriMet.org/planner.
All C-TRAN routes are also free starting at 6 p.m. on Saturday, continuing through the end of service. Some routes will also have extended hours into the early morning of New Year's Day.
Routes 37, 60, 65, 71, 80 and The Vine will run until about 2 a.m. or later to help people get home safely. Full New Year’s Eve schedules are available at www.c-tran.com/newyears.
"If you’re heading out to ring in 2023, be safe, plan ahead and let C-TRAN do the driving instead of getting behind the wheel," C-TRAN said in a statement. "Transit is a safe, smart alternative to driving. Consider making C-TRAN a part of your New Year’s Eve celebration even if you’re not staying out until midnight."