Metro Transit
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| Metro Transit | |
|---|---|
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| Name | Metro Transit |
| Locale | Minneapolis–Saint Paul |
| Transit type | Bus, light rail, bus rapid transit |
| Began operation | 1970 |
| Operator | Metropolitan Council |
| Vehicles | ~900 |
| Annual ridership | 58.2 million (2023) |
| Headquarters | Minneapolis |
| Website | https://www.metrotransit.org |
Metro Transit is the primary public transportation operator in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area. It is a division of the Metropolitan Council, the regional governmental agency, and provides an integrated network of local bus routes, express bus services, light rail, and bus rapid transit. The agency's system facilitates connections across the Twin Cities, serving major employment centers like Downtown Minneapolis, Downtown Saint Paul, and the Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport.
History
The agency's origins trace to the 1970 merger of several private streetcar and bus companies, including the Minneapolis Street Railway and Saint Paul City Railway, under the newly formed Metropolitan Transit Commission. This consolidation aimed to create a unified regional system as suburban growth accelerated. A significant early development was the 1954 closure of the region's last streetcar lines, leading to a complete transition to motor bus operations. The system came under the control of the Metropolitan Council in 1994. Major infrastructure milestones include the 2004 opening of the Hiawatha Line (now the Blue Line), the first modern light rail line, and the 2014 debut of the Green Line connecting the two downtowns via University of Minnesota and University Avenue.
Services
Metro Transit operates an extensive network of over 130 routes, including frequent local and limited-stop bus corridors. Its light rail system consists of the Blue Line from Downtown Minneapolis to Mall of America and the Green Line between Downtown Minneapolis and Downtown Saint Paul. The agency has pioneered bus rapid transit with the METRO Red Line and the METRO Orange Line, which feature enhanced stations and off-board fare payment. Key connectors include the Northstar Line commuter rail service to Big Lake, operated in partnership with BNSF Railway, and extensive service to the Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport and the University of Minnesota campus.
Fleet
The fleet comprises approximately 900 vehicles, dominated by a large roster of diesel and hybrid electric buses from manufacturers like New Flyer and Gillig. For its light rail lines, the agency operates Siemens S70 vehicles. The bus rapid transit services utilize distinctive articulated buses. The fleet also includes paratransit vehicles for Metro Mobility services, which are provided under contract with private operators. Major maintenance facilities are located at the Heywood Garage in Minneapolis and the Rosedale Operations and Maintenance Facility near Interstate 35W.
Fares and funding
Fare revenue constitutes a portion of the operating budget, with structures including single-ride fares, Go-To Card stored-value passes, and mobile tickets via the Metro Transit app. Significant funding is derived from a regional sales tax levied by the Metropolitan Council, as authorized by the Minnesota Legislature. The agency also receives federal grants from the Federal Transit Administration for capital projects, such as new light rail lines and bus rapid transit corridors. Discounted fares are available for seniors, youth, and qualified individuals through programs like Metro Transit's Transit Assistance Program.
Governance and operations
The agency is a division of the Metropolitan Council, whose members are appointed by the Governor of Minnesota. Day-to-day operations are managed by a general manager who reports to the council. Service planning and major capital projects require approval from the council and often involve partnerships with entities like Hennepin County, Ramsey County, and the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Key operational partners include the Minneapolis Police Department and the Saint Paul Police Department for security, while the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1005 represents most frontline employees.
Category:Public transportation in Minnesota Category:Transportation in Minneapolis Category:Transportation in Saint Paul, Minnesota Category:1970 establishments in Minnesota