It's not too early to be thinking about your New Year's Eve plans. In fact, at some of the more popular venues, it may be too late. Whatever you do, make sure the CTA is a part of your plans, and leave the car at home. After all, who wants to spend New Year's Day in jail on a DUI charge.

The CTA is doing its thing again to make taking public transit the only way to go on New Year's Eve by offering penny fares again. For 25 years, the CTA has offered rides that night for just a penny. And really many operators just wave people on through. And it's not worth it for the CTA to reprogram train station turnstyles to accept a penny only, so the gates are generally opened at rail stations.

The CTA press release doesn't list the times for penny rides, but in past years it's been from 8 pm till 6 am. As CTA President Rich Rodriguez says, "Let the CTA be your designated driver."

Miller Lite sponsors New Year's shuttle. Another option for New Year's is the Miller Lite shuttle. The Chicago Free Rides shuttles will travel on a looped route throughout the city, with stops in the Loop, River North, Old Town, Lincoln Park and Wrigleyville neighborhoods, as well as busy "L" stops and popular retail establishments. Check the website for schedules.