New Year’s Eve revelers can take a bus to and from their destination for free Wednesday night.

For the 13th year, the Orange County Transportation Authority is offering free bus rides on all its routes from 6 p.m. Wednesday to 2:30 a.m. Thursday.

“It gives people a way to get around without having to get in their cars,” said OCTA spokesman Joel Zlotnik. “And it’s a good opportunity for people to give public transportation a try.”

Last year, about 8,000 people used the free bus service.

This year, for the first time, OCTA is also extending the hours of four routes in Fullerton to accommodate those going to the popular First Night event. The routes with extended hours are 24, 26, 43 and 143.

OCTA recommends riders go to its website, octa.net, before leaving to verify routes and hours.

Contact the writer: 714-704-3771 or rkheel@ocregister.com