CHICAGO (AP) — Commuter trains running into downtown Chicago are already packed, hours ahead of the victory parade for the World Series champion Chicago Cubs.
The Chicago Transit Authority had announced Thursday it was adding extra service and capacity to accommodate people attending a noon rally in the city.
But trains were already skipping stops Thursday morning because they were packed with fans, some draped with the team's blue and white "W'' flags before 7 a.m.
Metra trains, which travel farther to the suburbs, was sending out alerts just after 6 a.m. Friday saying some of its trains also were running express because of passenger capacity.
Metra spokesman Michael Gillis said the rail line is "using every piece of equipment" available to accommodate the "huge demand."
The Cubs parade is scheduled to start about 10 a.m. at Wrigley Field before winding south into downtown along the famed Michigan Avenue to Grant Park for a rally.