Metra passengers left high and dry waiting for special New Year’s Eve train that departed early

Some New Year’s Eve revelers who opted to take a special, late-night Metra BNSF train were left scrambling to find alternative transportation after the train departed early.

The commuter rail service had advertised later-than-usual trains on all of its lines for the holiday.

But the 1:15 a.m. train scheduled to leave Chicago Union Station left 20 minutes early following what Metra said was a miscommunication with BNSF Railway, which owns the tracks and operates the trains, and the crew.

The error forced dozens to order ride-hail cars that cost upward of $100, riders said.

“It was just the worst night they could have done this,” said Martin Brown, 22, who was downtown with his girlfriend celebrating the New Year with drinks.

This report was produced in partnership with the Chicago Sun-Times. For the full-story, visit chicago.suntimes.com.