Free bus and rail service offered on Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve

City and county officials announced Thursday free public transportation during part of the holiday season, a measure to combat holiday tragedy from spiked eggnog and endless glasses of champagne.

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority is offering free bus and rail service on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. The free rides are available between 9 p.m. Saturday and 2 a.m. Sunday, then again Dec. 31 and Jan. 1.

Officials said the free service is a move to prevent drunk driving and promote a safe holiday season.

“There is never an excuse to drink and drive,” said Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who also chairs the Metro Board of Directors. “On Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, let the MTA drive you to your destination for free and avoid a senseless drunk-driving tragedy.”

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-- Ari Bloomekatz

Photo: A Metro Blue Line train. Credit: Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times.