MINNEAPOLIS - Numbers released by Metro Transit Tuesday show ridership on the light rail METRO Green Line is exceeding expectations.
Metro Transit says the 1,063,512 rides taken on the Green Line last month brings year-to-date ridership to 3,477,945. Average weekday ridership in September was 37,178, which is 35 percent higher than projections for 2015.
Projected average weekday ridership for 2030 is nearly 41,000.
"We are thrilled the community is embracing the Green Line for all types of travel," Metro Transit General Manager Brian Lamb said. "The excitement surrounding the Green Line has obviously lasted well beyond opening weekend and will continue to build as the corridor develops in the years ahead."
The East Bank Station was the Green Line's most active stop in September, drawing 4,655 average weekday boardings. U of M students have purchased 18,061 U-Passes this semester, surpassing sales from the entire fall 2013 semester. U-Passes are sold for a flat per-semester fee and provide unlimited bus and METRO rides.
Special events have also been a boon for ridership. Around 12,700 fans boarded the Green Line to get to the Minnesota Vikings' two home games at TCF Bank Stadium in September.
