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Read the press release here.

CTA Rolls Out New Holiday Bus; Holiday Train Hits Tracks on Black Friday

By Mina Bloom | November 21, 2014 1:09pm | Updated on November 28, 2014 5:57am
 The Holiday Bus is new this year. It will travel along nine CTA routes beginning Dec. 2.
CTA Holiday Bus
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CHICAGO — The beloved CTA Holiday Train is back — and this year, there is a holiday bus, too.

It is decked out in holiday lights and decorated in a "Ralphie the Reindeer" wrap. The bus also features a pair of huge antlers on top, holiday-themed seating and artwork by Mahalia Jackson Elementary students. Kids can take photos on Santa's lap in Santa's den, which is located in the back of the bus and is outfitted with a fireplace, decorated trees and oversized presents, the CTA said. It debuts on Tuesday.

The train will begin service on the Green Line on Friday, and then move on to the other "L" lines. The six-car train car — which smells like cinnamon — is decked out with holiday decorations including multi-colored lights, garland and bows, to name a few. 

Worried that you might miss it? The train will travel along all eight CTA lines at varying times and continuing through late December as part of regular rail service.

Of course, what's a Holiday Train without Santa? He'll be spreading cheer by making visits, starting with the Green Line at the Harlem and Lake station, according to the release.

The annual tradition is in its 23rd year.

The exact timing of the train was not released, but riders can use the CTA Train Tracker app to find out where the Holiday Train will be at any given time, according to a CTA press release.

Here's the train schedule (which is subject to change):

• Green Line: Friday, Saturday, Tuesday

• Brown and Orange Lines: Wednesday to Dec. 6

• Pink Line: Dec. 9-10

• Blue Line: Dec. 11-13

• Red Line: Dec. 16, 18 and 22

• Purple Line Express: Dec. 17, 19 

• Red/Purple Lines: Dec. 20

• Yellow Line: Dec. 23

Here's the bus schedule (which is subject to change):

• No. J14 Jeffrey Jump: Tuesday-Wednesday

• No. 62 Archer: Thursday and Dec. 5

• No. 3 King Drive: Dec. 6, Dec. 9

• No. 12 Roosevelt: Dec. 10-11

• No. 66 Chicago: Dec. 12-13

• No. 56 Milwaukee: Dec. 17-18

• No. 22 Clark: Dec. 19-20

• No. 124 Navy Pier: Dec. 22

• No. 49 Western: Dec. 23

Normal CTA fares apply for both the festive train and the bus.

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