As the nation prepares for the holiday season and new year, Molson Coors Beverage Company is helping Americans celebrate responsibly in Charlotte with complimentary Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) rides through the company’s long-standing New Year’s Eve Free Rides program.
Thanks to a partnership with CATS, residents and visitors in Charlotte can take advantage of fare free rides from 5 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 31 until 2 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 1 across the CATS bus, light rail and streetcar.
“To ensure that those celebrating in Charlotte have a reliable ride, we are excited to activate the Free Rides program once again across the U.S. this New Year’s Eve,” said Alison Hanrahan, community affairs manager, Molson Coors. “In collaboration with CATS, we are looking forward to fostering community and fellowship as we ring in the New Year.”
Last year, the New Year’s Eve Free Rides program saw its highest ridership yet, with 200,000 people taking advantage of complimentary transit when celebrating the new year.
Over the past three years, the New Year’s Eve program has experienced a 36% increase in ridership (the overall Free Rides program has grown by 62% during the last three years). The program continues to grow and evolve, expanding to Charlotte last year and Washington, D.C. this year.
“CATS is proud to team up with Miller Lite again this New Year in making it easier than ever to celebrate safely with friends and family across the region,” said Elizabeth Presutti, CATS deputy director and chief administrative officer. “In collaboration with Miller Lite, we’re taking care of the transportation, so you can focus on welcoming in 2025.”
Through partnerships with local public transit, Molson Coors is also offering fare-free rides on New Year’s Eve for celebrators in Chicago; Dallas; Denver; Milwaukee; Phoenix; and Washington, D.C.
The New Year’s Eve Free Rides program marks the finale of this year’s Free Rides initiative, with more planned in 2025. In 2024, Molson Coors also sponsored Free Rides in 10 cities across the U.S. for events such as St. Patrick’s Day and various sporting events.
Those joining in the New Year’s Eve festivities are encouraged to plan ahead for a free ride to or from their celebrations. Riders can visit the CATS website to review routes and arrange transportation before the celebrations begin.
