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Metro Transit (Minnesota)

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Metro Transit

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Info
OwnerMetropolitan Council
LocaleMinneapolis – Saint Paul
Transit typeTransit bus
Bus rapid transit
Light rail
Commuter rail
Paratransit
Number of lines125 routes[1]
  • 38 urban local
  • 71 express
  • 9 suburban local
  • 2 light rail transit
  • 5 bus rapid transit
  • 1 commuter rail
Number of stations37 light rail
99 bus rapid transit
7 commuter rail
Chief executiveLesley Kandaras
HeadquartersFred T. Heywood Office Building and Garage
560 North Sixth Avenue
Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
Websitemetrotransit.org
Operation
Began operationMay 20, 1967 (1967-05-20) (established)[2]
September 18, 1970 (1970-09-18) (bus operations)[3]
June 26, 2004 (2004-06-26) (light rail)
November 16, 2009 (2009-11-16) (commuter rail)
June 11, 2016 (2016-06-11) (bus rapid transit)
Number of vehicles916 buses[1]
  • 529 diesel buses
  • 114 hybrid-electric buses
  • 8 electric buses
  • 201 articulated buses
  • 64 coach buses

115 rail vehicles

  • 91 light rail vehicles
  • 6 commuter rail locomotives
  • 18 commuter rail coaches

Metro Transit is a public transportation system in Minneapolis & Saint Paul of the state Minnesota. In 2024, the system had around 190,000,000 passengers.

Metro Transit carries 90% to 95% of riders in the region throughout buses, light rail, and commuter rail.[4] Other transportation companies include: Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA), Maple Grove Transit, and Southwest Transit (SW Transit). The University of Minnesota has a shuttle system ran by Metro Transit. It is one of the fastest growing transit networks in the US.

In 2017, 68% of Metro Transit's passengers were from busses. 16% of rides were on the Green Line light rail, the busiest route. The region's other light rail, the Blue Line, had 13%. Nearly 2% rode the A Line. The last 1% rode the Northstar Commuter Rail.[5] The single-day ridership record is 369,626, set on September 1, 2016.[6]

Metro Transit drivers and vehicle maintenance is ensured by the Amalgamated Transit Union. It also connects with companies for Metro Mobility busses.

History

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Metro Transit was created in 1967 by the Minnesota State Legislature. The idea was proposed in 1950 and was considered in 1965 after two studies. The former transit operator, Twin City Lines, goes back to horses in the 19th century. Before being replaced, Twin City Lines had 635 buses: 75% of those were over 15 years old, 86 buses were so old that they were banned by the city. Twin City Lines buses were slow and uncomfortable. An attempt to fix the issues had failed, resulting in the creation of Metro Transit.[7] The famous "Circle T" logo was created shortly after the start and is the main logo to this day.[8][9]

Buses on Nicollet Mall, June 1973

Two companies were hired to ensure improve the transit system. Simpson & Curtin was hired to fix plans and maps. Alan M. Voorhees & Associates worked on a long-term plan, including rapid transit. MTC had been attempting to purchase Twin City Lines since 1968. In October 1969 Simpson & Curtain, forced Twin City Lines to sell because of "a record of long-term neglect". On September 18, 1970, MTC purchased the Twin City Lines bus system from Carl Pohlad after pressure from the public. The "Circle T" logo was put on old buses over the night, and they made a long term rebranding plan later. MTC raised $9.7 Million to help fund the purchase and rebrand. MTC made a five year, $20 million plan of updating the system: starting off by purchasing 93 buses, 135 new stations, new signs, and a 24-hour information center. By 1975, MTC purchased four other bus companies and made over 650 new buses.

After the purchase of Twin City Lines, a long drought in improvements for transportation in the state began. It took 32 years to see the first proposed additional line.[10] In 1972, a $1.3 billion 37-57 mile heavy rail rapid transit system was proposed, but was turned down by every major transport company.[11][12]

In 1994, MTC became a part of the Metropolitan Council Transit Operations. In 1997, the name was changed to Metro Transit. The name changed because they wanted a "new name for a new beginning".[8] In 1998, Hennepin County got local funding for the Hiawatha Line, which later became the Blue Line. A year later, Governor Jesse Ventura got state funding.[13] The Light rail had its first trip on June 26, 2004, just over 50 years since the last streetcar on June 19, 1954. The Northstar Line train service began on November 14, 2009.

Bus and driver on University Avenue in Minneapolis, Minnesota, near Saint Paul

Metro Transit only covers part of the Twin Cities. About 17.5% of the area is run by other companies, and 5 more percent is ran by private services.

Funding

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Metro Transit receives its funding from state taxes, the state fund, and fares. Between 2001 and 2006, taxes were decreased, causing service cuts and raising the price of rides.

Local laws require that at least one third of funding must come from passengers. Since October 1, 2008, prices of rides on all vehicles have been increased by 25 cents.[14] Certain eligible individuals (such as riders with disabilities) may ride for $1. Rides cost more during rush hour. For example, a rush-hour ride on an express bus costs $3.25, but only $2.50 for non-rush hour. [15]

Only the Northstar commuter rail line charges fares based on distance. A number of discounted multiple-use transit pass options are available. In early 2007, the system introduced a contactless smart card, named the Go-To card, for paying fares.

The price increased a second time in 2017. "Under the new system, local fares for off-peak hours will increase from $1.75 to $2; while rides will go from $2.25 to $2.50 for peak hours. Metro Mobility users will pay $3.50 to $4.50 per ride, as well as an additional 75-cent surcharge for trips greater than 15 miles. Transit Link Dial-A-Ride fares will increase, on average, by $1.60, and include a 75-cent distance surcharge."[16]

METRO System

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Metro is the, all-day light rail and bus rapid transit system. It is owned by the Metropolitan Council. It provides the transit in the Twin Cities. Metro Transit is the operator of both of the light rail lines, the Metro Blue Line and the Metro Green Line. It also controls the bus lines: the Metro A Line, Metro C Line, Metro D Line, Metro Orange Line, and Metro Red Line. The Metro B Line and the Metro Green Line Extension are currently under construction but will be a part in the future.

Light rail

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A Green Line light rail train on University Avenue next to the Minnesota State Capitol in Saint Paul.
A Blue Line light rail train crossing under the Martin Olav Sabo Bridge near Highway 55.

The Blue Line opened on June 26, 2004, as the first light rail in the state. The Blue Line ran from Hennepin Ave. Station to Fort Snelling Station. On December 4, 2004, service was extended to Mall of America station and through the Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport. It was further extended to Target Field in 2009.

The Green Line opened on June 14, 2014, and connects Downtown Minneapolis, the University of Minnesota, the Midway and Saint Anthony Park, the State Capitol and Downtown St. Paul with light rail service.

Arterial bus rapid transit

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Line Opening Date Destinations Type
A June 11, 2016 Snelling Avenue to Ford Parkway Arterial bus rapid transit
C June 8, 2019 Penn Avenue to Olson Memorial Highway Arterial bus rapid transit
D December 3, 2022 Fermont Avenue to Chicago Avenue (Mall Of America) Arterial bus rapid transit
Red June 22, 2013 Metro Blue Line to Apple Valley Highway bus rapid transit
Orange December 4, 2021 Interstate 35W to Burnsville Highway bus rapid transit
Gold March 22, 2025? Downtown St Paul to Woodbury Transitway projects in development
Purple 2026? St Paul to White bear lake Transitway projects in development
B June 2025? Bde Maka Ska to Selby Avenue Arterial bus rapid transit
E 2025? University of Minnesota to Southdale Center Arterial bus rapid transit
F 2025? Local routes under construction. Unknown
G
H


A Metro Transit D Line bus.

Bus routes

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An old Metro Transit bus stop sign in downtown Saint Paul.[17]
A new bus stop sign.[17]

Metro Transit has 66 of local routes and 51 express routes. In 2012, there was an average of 230,575 riders per week-day.[18]

Bus Numbers

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  • 1–49: Minneapolis busses.
  • 50–59: Faster busses with fewer stops.
  • 60–89: St. Paul busses.
  • 94: Fast bus between Minneapolis and St. Paul.
  • 100s: Buses not from Minneapolis, St. Paul or the University.
  • 200s: Northeast area.
  • 300s: Southeast area.
  • 400s: Southern suburbs.
  • 500s: Suburbs like Richfield, Edina, and Bloomington.
  • 600s: West and southwest areas.
  • 700s: Northwest areas.
  • 800s: Northern suburbs.

For three-digit numbers:

  • x00–x49: Local buses for neighborhoods and train stations.
  • x50–x99: Fast buses from suburbs to downtown.

The Northstar train is route 888.

High Frequency Network

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High Frequency Network was created on September 9, 2006. The routes: 2, 3, 6, 10, 11, 18, 54, 64, and all of Routes 21, 63, and METRO A, C, D, Blue, Orange, and Green Lines are part of the High Frequency Network.[19] Route 5, 16, 19, and 84 were formerly part of the high frequency network until being replaced by METRO lines.[20]

Northstar Line

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The Northstar Line is a train system going from Minneapolis to Big Lake. It opened on November 16, 2009. There are additional bus connections to Becker and St. Cloud. Additional services run during events such as Twins and Vikings games. Service is not provided on holidays.

Facilities

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Metro Transit symbol on an old seat design on University Avenue

Dedicated bus lanes

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Several routes travel along a dedicated transit mall in downtown Minneapolis. An experiment was ran in 2005 to switch the main road into a transit mall but failed.[21]

NexTrip digital signs with arrival times were added to some stations, although they weren't functioning at the beginning of the rollout. NexTrip information has also been available through the Metro Transit website since 2008 and can be accessed with web browsers.[22] After 10 years, NexTrip signs on Marquette and 2nd Avenues were upgraded with new versions that have improved reliability, and improved travel time predictions.[23]

Bus-only lanes were added to Hennepin Avenue South in 2018 and became permanent after a successful trial run. The bus-only lanes were found to reliably improve travel times. Although they were only bus only during peak travel times.

Bus-only shoulders

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Since 1991, Metro Transit buses have been allowed to use "bus-only shoulders," to skip traffic jams. Busses are allowed to travel 35 mph (56 km/h) faster than the traffic. Bus drivers must be attentive since the shoulders may be only a foot wider than the bus.[24]

Transit centers

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Metro Transit has 29 transit centers, to connect points between different bus routes.[25]

Park and rides

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Metro Transit operates 70 park and ride lots and ramps, with 20,570 parking spaces available. an average of 12,000 spaces are used per day.[26] A report on the park and ride system is published yearly.[27]

Better Bus Stops

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After an investigation by Star Tribune, Metro Transit got $5.8 million on improve shelters and adding new shelters to bus stops. The investigation found that 460 stops had enough riders to qualify for a shelter, while 25% of existing shelters did not have enough riders to justify a shelter.[28][29] Bus stop signs were also redesigned to include more information, and an additional 150 additional shelters were built for a total of 950.[30][31] New rules had stations get based off of riders instead of population density.[32]

Appearance

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Metro Transit buses at Washington Avenue bus stop on north side of Coffman Memorial Union on the University of Minnesota East Bank campus.

Busses are white with blue near the roof. There is a display with the metro transit T logo and sometimes the metro transit name. Metro Transit Lightrails and the D-Line are primarily blue but some cars may be painted purple for the Minnesota Vikings. There may be advertisements on the inside and outside of busses.

All buses are handicapped-accessible. There is also the Metro Mobility paratransit system for door to door travels.

Bike racks are installed in all light-rail and heavy-rail stops.[33] Bike racks are installed in the more commonly used bus stops, commonly in downtown areas.

Vehicles

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Busses:

  • Gillig Low Floor 40-foot transit buses,
  • New Flyer D60LFR and XD60 articulated buses,
  • MCI D4500CT commuter coaches.

Blue line:

  • 27 Bombardier Flexity Swift vehicles.

Green line:

Northstar Line:

  • Bombardier BiLevel Coaches,
  • MotivePower MP36 locomotives.


References

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  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Metro Transit Facts". Metro Transit. Retrieved January 21, 2023.
  2. ↑ Dornfeld, Steven (Fall 2019). "1969 Bus Strike" (PDF). Minnesota Historical Society. Retrieved June 18, 2020.
  3. ↑ "The OughtaBiography: 1970–1980" (PDF). Metropolitan Transit Commission. September 1980. Retrieved June 18, 2020.
  4. ↑ "Metro Transit 2017 Facts". Metro Transit. Retrieved March 22, 2018.
  5. ↑ "Rail lines set records as Metro Transit ridership tops 81.9 million in 2017 – Metro Transit". www.metrotransit.org. Retrieved May 11, 2018.
  6. ↑ Harlow, Tim (September 9, 2016). "Vikings, Twins, traffic fears help Metro Transit shatter single-day ridership record". Star Tribune.
  7. ↑ "A bold experiment: the Metropolitan Council at 40" (PDF). Metropolitan Council. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 13, 2010. Retrieved December 16, 2009.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Kerr, Drew (October 10, 2018). "Where did the name Metro Transit come from?". metrotransit.org. Metro Transit. Retrieved December 21, 2021. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "name-from" defined multiple times with different content
  9. ↑ "Metro Transit Brand Identity & Style Guide" (PDF). metrotransit.org. Metro Transit. March 22, 2021.
  10. ↑ "A bold experiment: the Metropolitan Council at 40" (PDF). Metropolitan Council. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 13, 2010. Retrieved December 16, 2009.
  11. ↑ Jeff Severns Guntzel (May 19, 2008). "A train linking Minneapolis and St. Paul? We had that scoop in 1984". City Pages. Archived from the original on February 17, 2010. Retrieved February 17, 2010.
  12. ↑ "ALL ABOARD: For the Transit Study that Never Ends". City Pages. September 5, 1984.
  13. ↑ Isaacs, Aaron (April 10, 2017). "The Long Road to Light Rail in the Twin Cities". streets.mn. Retrieved December 21, 2021.
  14. ↑ "Home – Metro Transit". www.metrotransit.org. Retrieved May 27, 2020.
  15. ↑ "Fares – Metro Transit". Metro Transit. Retrieved May 7, 2020.
  16. ↑ Moore, Janet (July 27, 2017). "Met Council votes to increase transit fares by 25 cents". Star Tribune. Retrieved July 27, 2017.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 Roper, Eric (October 14, 2015). "Metro Transit adding information at bus stops". Star Tribune. Retrieved August 10, 2024.
  18. ↑ Rao, Maya (February 12, 2014). "As big cities privatize bus shelters, Minneapolis moves them to government control". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on April 7, 2014. Retrieved May 4, 2014.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  19. ↑ "High Frequency network". www.metrotransit.org. Retrieved December 8, 2023.
  20. ↑ "Hi-Frequency Networkt". metrotransit.org. Metro Transit. Archived from the original on April 19, 2014. Retrieved August 14, 2022.
  21. ↑ Mack, Linda (May 27, 2007). "Looking for balance on Nicollet Mall". Star Tribune. pp. F14. Retrieved November 4, 2021.
  22. ↑ "Exactly when is my next bus departing?". Metropolitan Council. May 14, 2009. Archived from the original on May 16, 2010. Retrieved December 17, 2009.
  23. ↑ Harlow, Tim (January 4, 2021). "New bus stop signs promise better info". Star Tribune. p. A5.
  24. ↑ "Minneapolis Urban Partnership Agreement". Urban Partnership Agreement and Congestion Reduction Demonstration Programs. U.S. Department of Transportation. Archived from the original on August 27, 2010. Retrieved February 15, 2010.
  25. ↑ "System Map" (PDF). Retrieved May 6, 2023.
  26. ↑ Del Rosario, Ari (January 2020). "2019 Annual Regional Park & Ride System Report". Metro Transit. Retrieved November 4, 2021.
  27. ↑ "Annual Regional Park-and-Ride System Report". Metropolitan Council. Retrieved November 4, 2021.
  28. ↑ Roper, Eric (September 2, 2014). "Hundreds of metro bus stops have thousands seeking shelters". Star Tribune. Retrieved May 24, 2020.
  29. ↑ Melo, Frederick (September 30, 2014). "For better bus shelters, Metro Transit commits $5.8 million". St. Paul Pioneer Press. Retrieved May 24, 2020.
  30. ↑ Roper, Eric (January 16, 2020). "Metro Transit says bus stops are improved with better signs, more shelters". Star Tribune. Retrieved May 24, 2020.
  31. ↑ "Better Bus Stops". Metro Transit. Retrieved May 24, 2020.
  32. ↑ Higashide, Steven (2019). Better Buses Better Cities. Island Press. pp. 68–73. ISBN 978-1-64283-014-9.
  33. ↑ "Metro Transit – Bike Options".
  34. ↑ "Central Corridor Contracts Awarded". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on August 29, 2010. Retrieved September 20, 2011.
  35. ↑ "FTA Signs Agreement to Fund Central Corridor". Archived from the original on October 4, 2012. Retrieved September 20, 2011.

Other websites

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