Caltrain Free on NYE; Jan. 1 Schedule Altered

It will not quite be business as usual for Caltrain as the 2012 holiday season runs out. 

Closing the festivities with New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, Caltrain will run on a normal weekday schedule on Monday, Dec. 31, but will switch to a Sunday schedule on Tuesday, Jan. 1.

To see the details of the weekend schedule, click here. Normal weekday schedule times can be seen here.

The biggest Monday switch-up will start at 11 p.m., when all Caltrain rides will become free of charge to accomodate New Year's Eve commuters with a designated driver.

Caltrain is also adding four post-midnight southbound trains for the partygoers staying out past the ball drop.

"The extra trains will depart the San Francisco station at 12:45 a.m., 1:15 a.m., 1:45 a.m. and 2:15 a.m., making all local stops to the San Jose Diridon station," Caltrain said in an official release. "The 2:15 a.m. train is expected to be exceptionally crowded. Riders who are able to take an earlier train are advised to do so."  

Redi-Wheels and RediCoast, the San Mateo County Transit District’s paratransit services, are also set to offer free rides between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m.

Remember, no alcohol containers on Caltrain after 9 p.m., so finish ringing in the New Year before you step aboard.