Metra will celebrate its 40th birthday this week with a variety of activities and programs, culminating with offering free rides on all of its train lines in coming days.

They’re all part of Metra, once known as the Regional Transportation Authority’s Commuter Rail Division, which held its first board meeting on June 8, 1984.

Chicagoland’s commuter rail system will begin celebrating its 40th anniversary next month with a host of activities, including a full weekend of free rides.

CTA, Metra and Pace roll out regional day pass for unlimited rides on all three lines The pass costs $2.50 more than a typical Metra day pass and allows riders to access the CTA, Metra and Pace.

Metra is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a number of special offers for riders, inducing free rides this weekend.

Metra trains and Pace buses will offer the free ride from 5:30 a.m. until 8 p.m. Check the Metra train schedule and tracker here and the Pace tracker here.

The commuter school — where 85% of students live off-campus — began the pilot program in August. The combined CTA-Metra pass was purchased by 4,100 UIC students this semester at $349 a pop.