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Considering how cold it’s supposed to be on New Year’s Eve in Madison, one of the best ways to get to your party place could be a free ride on a Metro Transit bus.

Metro and the city of Madison are continuing a tradition of free bus rides well into the night, even though former sponsor Miller Lite is not funding the rides this year.

Jessica Stammer, marketing specialist for Metro, said the Transit and Parking Commission gave the OK to the city and Metro to cover the costs of the free service on New Year’s Eve.

“We are still offering the same amount of free, extended service as we have in the past,” Stammer said.

The free bus rides start at 7 p.m. Sunday and will continue until about 3:30 a.m.

The forecast calls for a high in the single digits on Sunday and a low around 10 below overnight.

Buses will follow the regular Sunday schedule, but Routes 80 to 84 will not be running.

Riders using the free service can plan their trip and get the extended service schedule online at www.cityofmadison.com/metro/newyear.

Metro customer service staff will be on duty until 1 a.m. to help you get to where you want to go, at 266-4466.

Free paratransit service will also be available starting at 7 p.m. Service depends on fixed-route service operating in the same area. Go online to www.cityofmadison.com/metro/paratransit/index.cfm for more information.

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