Residents in Hudson Valley who want to go into New York City for the holidays can enjoy a gift from the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA).

The MTA is offering half-price subway rides on the weekends until Christmas Eve. The rates will be half price during the week as well from Christmas Eve until January 2. The MTA is also giving special holiday bonus Metrocards, which will give commuters 40 days of rides instead of 30 for $76. Also, Metro-North riders will receive some free off-peak trips.

The discount by the MTA is part of an effort to get people to use mass transit and ease gridlock during the holidays. The MTA was able to afford the $50 million gift for commuters due to a surplus in the budget.

Related link: Metropolitan Transit Authority