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Metro Transit is the transit division of the Metropolitan Council , a regional governmental agency in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area of the U.S. State of Minnesota . Metro Transit is the largest operator of Bus services in the Seven-county Region surrounding Minneapolis and St. Paul with approximately 875 buses (including 140 Articulated Bus es) on about 130 routes, and the Hiawatha Line Light Rail corridor. It is reportedly the 18th largest transit system in the country, with approximately 200,000 rides provided each Weekday , carrying 90% to 95% of the transit rides in the region. Several "opt-out" carriers exist in the area, including Southwest Metro Transit and Minnesota Valley Transit Authority . Metro Transit workers are organized through the Amalgamated Transit Union . OVERVIEW The agency as it currently exists was first formed in the late 1960s , although the organization's history can be traced back to the early Streetcar systems developed in the area in the mid to late 19th Century . In 1970 , it acquired the bus lines of Twin City Rapid Transit from businessman Carl Pohlad . The Metropolitan Council became the parent agency of Metro Transit in 1994 . The light-rail system began operation on June 26 , 2004 , 50 years "to the month" since the last regular-service streetcar ran on June 19 , 1954 . The organization has had several names over the years, though the most well-known name was probably Metropolitan Transit Commission ('''MTC'''). Vehicle Livery is largely White , with a predominantly Blue strip running horizontally along the side of buses. The Hiawatha Line light-rail vehicles have a different color scheme, being predominantly Black and Gray , with Yellow used on each end. Metro Transit uses Vehicle Wrap Advertising on some buses and light rail cars, which can lead to a different appearance. All of the buses are Handicapped-accessible , either using Hydraulic lifts or a Low-floor design. The Metropolitan Council also operates the Metro Mobility Paratransit system for door-to-door transportation. The system claims to have a Safety record five times better than the national average, although some worry that continuing reductions in Break Time s and increases in the length of Working Day s may cause the incident rate to rise. FUNDING Funding for Metro Transit has wavered significantly over the years, and today the organization only receives about 65% of the funding that transportation systems in similar regions around the United States receive. Such peer regions reportedly include Dallas, Texas , Denver, Colorado , Portland, Oregon , and Seattle, Washington . Funding for the system is approved on an Annual or Biennial basis, while many other systems have steadier sources of funds. Currently, a significant source of money for the system comes from fees associated with new Automobile sales in the state. A decline in motor vehicle sales has led to a reduction in state funding. As of 2005 , the system is projecting a US$ 60 million shortfall over the next two years, although the Minnesota Legislature may increase funding. Most other systems of similar size have funding based on a regional or state Tax . Local policy requires that one third of the system's funding comes from Fare s, and current operations slightly exceed that level. About 60% of funding comes from the state of Minnesota. The remaining 5% largely comes from the U.S. Federal Government and other profit sources. Fares increased by 25¢ on July 1 , 2005 , bringing the standard fare to $1.50. This should cover $12 million of the projected $60 million shortfall. Express routes cost more (on limited-stop portions) and certain eligible individuals (such as riders with disabilities) can ride for 50¢. Many of the fares are more expensive during Rush Hour periods; a rush-hour ride on an express bus currently costs $2.75, for instance. The system does not make much use of Fare Zone s aside from downtown zones in Minneapolis and St. Paul where rides only cost 50¢. Fare Transfer cards valid for 2.5 hours are available upon payment of fare. A number of discounted multiple-use transit pass options are available, and the system is planning to introduce a contactless Smart Card (the Go-To Card ) for paying fares but its introduction has been delayed until at least late- 2005 . BRT FEATURES AND RESEARCH Metro Transit uses several methods to speed up bus lines, which can be considered forms of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). As in many metropolitan areas, High-occupancy Vehicle (HOV) or carpool lanes are available for buses traveling on some highways. In Downtown Minneapolis , there are several exclusive lanes for buses and Taxi s that go in the opposite direction of regular flow on One-way Street s. Nicollet Mall is exclusively used for buses and taxis, though as of summer 2005 , Metro Transit and the city of Minneapolis are experimenting with diverting buses to Hennepin Avenue in evening hours to reduce noise. Since about 1993 , Metro Transit buses have been allowed to use Road Shoulder s to bypass Traffic Jam s. Some research has gone into improving the speed at which buses can travel in such a situation. Primarily, bus drivers have to be very attentive when taking the bus onto the shoulder, since that part of the road is only about one foot wider than the buses in many cases. Researchers at the University Of Minnesota helped rig up a bus with a Lane-keep System along with a Heads-up Display connected to a Radar system to alert the driver of any obstacles. The technology was an adaptation of a system previously tested with drivers of Snowplow s, and made some headlines in the early 2000s decade, but has not yet been widely deployed. A true BRT line known as the Northwest Corridor is expected to be built in the coming years. Several other lines are on the drawing board along with additional light rail projects. MAJOR ROUTES A sampling of major Metro Transit Routes :
SEE ALSO Other Metropolitan Council services:
Opt-out and regional providers:
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