PHOENIX -- Valley residents will get a little extra time to ride the new Light Rail for free.

The Metro board of directors unanimously decided Wednesday to push back the starting date for charging passengers.

The Light Rail starts rolling on Dec. 27. The original plan was to let people fide for free until Dec. 29.

Wednesday's decision extended those free rides until News Year's Day.

The directors said it was important for free ridership to take place when commuters would use the trains most.