MINNEAPOLIS — It's called "public transportation," but Metro Transit is trying to discourage riders from climbing aboard its buses and trains unless absolutely necessary.
Beginning Wednesday, March 25 Metro Transit is enacting schedule changes that will reduce routes on the system up to 40 percent.
Here is what riders will see:
- Most local bus routes will operate at Saturday service levels, with an even level of service throughout the day. Express bus service will be limited.
- Trips on the METRO Blue Line and METRO Green Line will operate every 20 minutes throughout the day.
- The Northstar Commuter Rail Line will operate on a reduced schedule, making two inbound trips to Minneapolis on weekday mornings, and two trips outbound to on weekday afternoons. Northstar will not operate on the weekends.
- No service will be provided between 11 p.m. and 4:30 a.m., as previously announced.
Updated schedules are available at metrotransit.org. The Trip Planner will reflect new schedules beginning Wednesday morning.
“We understand these changes will create inconveniences, but we also know that we must adapt to adequately address this public health emergency,” Metro Transit General Manager Wes Kooistra said. “These changes will also allow us to provide more reliable service as we focus limited resources on meeting our new schedules.”
Metro Transit officials say the changes are necessary due to a significant drop in ridership caused by concerns and lifestyle changes related to the coronavirus. They maintain bus and light rail ridership has declined about 60% and Northstar ridership has declined about 90% as customers respond to the call to stay home and to avoid using transit unless they have no other options.
In addition to route changes Metro Transit's Service Centers and the Customer Relations Lost & Found window closed on Monday, March 23.
Metro Transit police officers will continue 24-hour service, providing security to Metro Transit riders, staff and facilities. Officers will continue to be present on platforms, around transit centers, and on buses and trains. Officers are also assigned to monitor live video feeds at station platforms and at select facilities to determine response levels and proactively focus on any areas of concern.
“I want our riders, our employees and the communities we serve to know that every decision we make is made in the interest of public health,” Kooistra said.
For more information visit the Metro Transit website.
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