Rush-hour CTA riders could find relief in adjusting their schedules to accommodate Cubs games, the transit agency suggests. View Full Caption Flickr/ Señor Codo

CHICAGO — If Chicago Cubs night games are hindering your ride home, the CTA is offering new text alerts that will recommend a less crowded time to travel — and offer incentives to riders who do so.

Riders who take the Red Line home from Downtown can opt to receive text alerts from the transit authority ahead of weekday night games at Wrigley Field on from Monday to Aug. 30 and Sept. 12-15.

The messages will advise commuters to travel before 5 p.m. or after 6 p.m., when Cubs fans are less likely to board trains heading north. Through a partnership with MasterCard, the CTA might offer incentives for traveling at less crowded times, ranging from a donation to Stand Up To Cancer made in the commuter's name or reimbursement for the ride taken.

To sign up, text CTAALERT to 89883. Participants must have registered Ventra cards to participate.

The night game alerts are part of a new pilot program, and CTA is the first major transit agency in the United States to test a service that texts customers before specific events.

The transit agency got the idea from customers, who suggested the heads-up on special events and sports games would help them adjust their commutes to avoid the heavier-than-usual traffic.

The service is separate from CTA Updates, the text and email alerts the CTA routinely sends regarding planned work and unplanned events that affect CTA routes.