"The Metro Gold Line Eastside Extension opened just in time to welcome historic L.A. communities to the world-renowned New Year's spectacle that is the Tournament of Roses," said Ara Najarian, chairman of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority. "The new extension should expose a whole new generation of fans to enjoy one of our region's most beloved holiday destinations by Metro Rail."
All Metro Rail lines will run every 20 minutes overnight from Dec. 31 into Jan. 1. The Metro Orange Line also will operate all night. The agency will provide free rides Dec. 31 on all Metro bus and rail lines from 9 p.m. until 2 a.m. on the morning of Jan. 1. After 2 a.m., regular fares go into effect.
Those attending parade festivities after 2 a.m. New Year's Day can purchase the $5 Metro Day Pass for unlimited train rides that day.
In addition to the overnight service, Metro will run additional trains and more frequent service on the Metro Gold Line to accommodate the large numbers of anticipated fans.
"Metro definitely makes the Parade-going experience an easy one," said 2010 Rose Queen Natalie Anne Innocenzi. "So, leave your car at home and use Metro to get an early place along the Parade route."
Parade-goers can access any of four Pasadena train stations close to the Parade route on Colorado Boulevard. Memorial Park and Del Mar stations are about two blocks from the Parade route, and the Lake and Allen stations are approximately four blocks from the Parade route.
Parking is available at several Metro Gold Line Stations, including Atlantic, Indiana, Sierra Madre Villa, Del Mar, Fillmore, Mission, Heritage Square/Arroyo, Lincoln Heights/Cypress Park and the largest at Union Station.
College football fans attending the 96th Rose Bowl Game can also utilize the Metro Gold Line and exit at Memorial Park Station. Then, they should walk three blocks west on Holly Street to the Parsons Corporation complex to catch the free Rose Bowl Game shuttle bus, with service starting at 10 a.m. Buses leave every couple of minutes from the boarding location on Pasadena Ave, north of Union Street.
Metro is also teaming up with the Tournament of Roses to provide easy access to view the Rose Parade floats after the parade. Metro will operate shuttle service from the Sierra Madre Villa Gold Line Station on Jan. 1 to the Post Parade venue from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Shuttle service from the Post Parade area back to the Sierra Madre Villa Station will continue until 5:30 p.m.
On Jan. 2 and 3, shuttle service from the station to Post Parade Park begins at 7 a.m. (for senior and disabled citizens only until 9 a.m.) and ends at 2:30 p.m. Service from the Post Parade venue to Sierra Madre Villa Station will continue to 5:30 p.m. During the hours of operation, the shuttle buses will pick up every five to ten minutes from the station. Regular fares will apply.
For additional information, call the Metro information line at 1-800-COMMUTE (266-6883).
