Metro Transit prepared for stretch of big events

Metro Transit is taking additional measures to ensure safe and reliable transit service is available for several upcoming concerts, sporting events, and the Minnesota State Fair.

The busy stretch begins on Friday with four consecutive nights of concerts, including Metallica at U.S. Bank Stadium on Friday, Aug. 16, and Sunday, Aug. 17, Green Day at Target Field on Saturday, Aug. 17, and Def Leppard at Target Field on Monday, Aug. 19.

Starting Thursday, Aug. 22, Metro Transit will provide State Fair Express Bus service between the fairgrounds and several Park & Rides. Up to 87 buses will be used to provide express service, which begins at 8 a.m. every day of the fair.

Plans are also in place to serve fairgoers and people traveling to multiple events on Saturday, Aug. 24. On that date, the Twins, Lynx, United, and Saints each host home games, Zac Bryan will perform at U.S. Bank Stadium, and an Open Streets event will be held on Lyndale Avenue.

"We are excited and prepared to help our community end this summer on a high note by providing transit service to these upcoming events," General Manager Lesley Kandaras said.

Fans taking transit to big events are encouraged to plan their trips and purchase fares in advance. Trip planning tools and mobile tickets are available through Metro Transit's app.

For eventgoers, an All-Day Pass is a convenient and cost-effective option; the passes can be used for as many rides as needed from the point of first use through 2 a.m. the following day.

Before and after large events, extra staff and police officers will be out on the system to help direct fans. Three-car trains will be used before and after big events to provide additional capacity.

Fans leaving concerts ending later at night are asked to get in line as soon as possible after the event. Free parking is available at Park & Rides at the METRO Blue Line's 30th Avenue and Fort Snelling Park & Rides.

Review tips about taking transit to large events on the Riders Almanac blog.

Service changes take effect August 17

Light rail trains will run more frequently and service will be improved on several bus routes beginning Saturday, Aug. 17.

On the METRO Blue Line and METRO Green Line, trains will run every 12 minutes between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. every day. Currently, trains run every 15 minutes.

Northstar service returning for Vikings regular season

Vikings fans can take the Northstar Commuter Rail Line to and from all home games this season. The season begins on Sunday, Sept. 15, with a noon game against the San Francisco 49ers. Review the schedule at metrotransit.org/vikings.

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