Metro Transit provides nearly 331,000 State Fair rides

During the Minnesota State Fair's 12-day run, Metro Transit provided nearly 331,000 express and regular route rides to and from the fairgrounds, a 14% increase compared to last year's State Fair ridership.

This year's ridership growth can partly be attributed to expanded State Fair Express Bus service. Thanks to successful hiring efforts, Metro Transit provided State Fair Express Bus service to and from six Park & Rides, including newly added sites in Maple Grove and Maplewood.

About 100 extra buses were in operation every day of the fair while operators, maintenance staff and others helped board customers, collect fares, clean vehicles and facilities, and monitor operations.

During the fair, Metro Transit also supported several large special events, including four consecutive concerts at U.S. Bank Stadium and Target Field, and maintained the reliable regular route service people use every day for a variety of trip purposes.

"These busy past few weeks underscore just how important transit is to our community," Metro Transit General Manager Lesley Kandaras said. "Thank you to everyone who rode with us, and to all the staff who came together to provide convenient, reliable and environmentally sustainable transportation during one of the busiest times of year."

Through the end of July, Metro Transit has provided more than 27.3 million rides, a 9% increase compared to the same time last year.

This week, Metro Transit is welcoming thousands of students using pass programs to get to and from area high schools and colleges.

The agency is also preparing to serve all Minnesota Vikings home games, beginning with the home opener on Sunday, Sept. 15. The Northstar Commuter Rail Line will provide service to and from all Vikings home games this season. Review the schedule at metrotransit.org/vikings.

Contact: Drew Kerr, [email protected], 651-387-3928