Metro North trains are operating with off peak fares today.  If you’re leaving New York City after the parade, customers must show a ticket before boarding trains at Grand Central or Harlem-125th Street Station.  MTA spokesman Aaron Donovan says on this day last year, about 30,000 customers departed Grand Central between 10 am and 2 pm.

Donovan says Metro North has this policy in place on days when there is an expected surge in train riders.  Gate collection is also on place in the early morning New Year's Day for people who were at the ball drop in Times Square.  He says this is done to make sure customers are getting on the right trains before departing Grand Central.

Unlike New Year's, there is no alcohol ban Thanksgiving weekend.

Even though Friday will be a Saturday schedule on Metro North, the railroad will have some additional morning inbound service to Grand Center.  Donovan says they know not everyone has off on Friday so they will make sure all commuters are taken care of.