For New Year’s Eve revelers looking to avoid driving in the Twin Cities, there’s good news and bad news on the horizon. First the good news: On Sunday, Metro Transit customers can ride free from 6 p.m. to the end of service on all Metro Transit routes, including the return trip on the Northstar commuter rail after the Vikings-Packers game at U.S. Bank Stadium.

The “Miller Free Rides” promotion spans all buses and light rail, according to an announcement from the public transit authority: “No fare, no coupons; simply hop on and take a seat for free.” Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA) is also participating.

But here’s the rub: Metro Transit isn’t out to party all night. In fact, the Blue Line and Green Line light rail trains will begin rolling to their final destination before 11:30 p.m. Some buses run later.

The final eastbound Green Line train departs Target Field Station in Minneapolis at 11:23 p.m. on Sunday, and the final westbound Green Line train departs downtown St. Paul’s Union Depot at 11:17 p.m.

The free but limited service has drawn some strong reaction on social media, where some transit proponents expressed surprise and disappointment.

“Words cannot describe how dumb it is to have a light rail service that doesn’t operate after midnight on NYE,” wrote the proprietor of the Black Hart bar, which is hosting a 2001-themed dance party on Sunday night near the Green Line’s Hamline Station.

“What? On NYE?,” wrote another transit proponent. “When people rely on late-night public transportation to keep cars off the road after drinking? What on Earth are you thinking?”

The “Miller Free Rides” promotion is sponsored by Miller Lite, Molson Coors and the Miller Brewing Co. of Milwaukee, Wis., the official beer sponsor of the Minnesota Vikings. And yes, Vikings (or Packers) fans riding the special game-day Northstar commuter rail into downtown Minneapolis on Sunday will require fare for the inbound trip only.

The train departs Big Lake at 5:15 p.m., with stops in Elk River, Ramsey, Anoka, Coon Rapids-Riverdale, Fridley and ultimately Target Field Station. The return trip — which departs Target Field Station 60 minutes after game end — also qualifies for the free ride promotion.

This is the 35th year of the Molson Coors free rides promotion, which rolled out for holidays and major sporting events this year in nine cities.

For more information, visit MetroTransit.org. Go Vikings (or Packers)!

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