Metro Transit (Minnesota)
Metro Transit is the primary public transportation operator in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul area of the U.S. state of Minnesota and the largest operator in the state. Metro Transit has previously been ranked as one of the best public transit systems in the United States.[6] In 2023, the system had a ridership of 44,977,200, or about 145,600 per weekday as of the fourth quarter of 2023.
For other systems of the same name, see Metro Transit (disambiguation).Metro Transit
125 routes[1]
- 38 urban local
- 71 express
- 9 suburban local
- 2 light rail transit
- 5 bus rapid transit
- 1 commuter rail
37 light rail
99 bus rapid transit
7 commuter rail
145,600 (weekdays, Q4 2023)[2]
44,977,200 (2023)[3]
Lesley Kandaras
Fred T. Heywood Office Building and Garage
560 North Sixth Avenue
Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
916 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
The system is a division of the Metropolitan Council, the region's metropolitan planning organization (MPO), carrying 90% to 95% of the transit riders in the region on a combined network of regular-route buses, light rail and commuter rail.[7] The remainder of Twin Cities transit ridership is generally split among suburban "opt-out" carriers operating out of cities that have chosen not to participate in the Metro Transit network. The biggest opt-out providers are Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA), Maple Grove Transit and Southwest Transit (SW Transit). The University of Minnesota also operates a campus shuttle system that coordinates routes with Metro Transit services.It is considered to be one of the fastest growing mass transit networks in the US.
In 2017, buses carried about 68% of the system's passengers. Just above 16% of ridership was concentrated on Metro Transit's busiest route, the Green Line light rail. The region's other light rail line, the Blue Line, fell close behind, carrying 13% of Metro Transit passengers. Nearly 2% rode the A Line arterial rapid bus line. The remaining approximately 1% rode the Northstar Commuter Rail service.[8] In 2015, Metro Transit saw its highest yearly ridership ever, with a total of 85.8 million trips, 62.1 million (72%) of which were on buses. The remaining 23.7 million (28%) of passengers traveled on the region's rail lines, including the then new Green Line.[9] The single-day ridership record is 369,626, set on September 1, 2016.[10]
Metro Transit drivers and vehicle maintenance personnel are organized through the Amalgamated Transit Union. The agency also contracts with private providers such as First Transit to offer paratransit services which operate under the Metro Mobility brand.
Funding[edit]
Metro Transit currently receives the majority of its funding from the State Motor Vehicle Sales Tax, the State General Fund, fares and federal revenues. Metro Transit prepares an annual calendar budget, but most of its funding comes from state funds, on a July 1 biennial budget. Between 2001 and 2006, reductions in state general funds and state motor vehicle sales tax collections forced a set of service cuts, fare increases and fuel surcharges, all of which reduced ridership.
Local policy requires that one third of the system's funding is to come from fares and current operations slightly exceed that level. Since October 1, 2008, fares on all buses and trains increased by 25 cents.[18] Express routes cost more (on limited-stop portions) and certain eligible individuals (such as riders with disabilities) may ride for $1. Many of the fares are more expensive during rush hour periods. For instance, a rush-hour ride on an express bus costs $3.25, as opposed to $2.50 for non-rush hours.
[19]
The system does not make much use of fare zones aside from downtown zones in Minneapolis and St. Paul, where rides only cost $0.50. Fare transfer cards valid for 2.5 hours are available upon payment of fare. 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 (the Go-To card) for paying fares.
A second fare increase occurred 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."[20]
Opt-out and regional providers: