Guide To Minnesota's Public Transportation
With the increase in air pollution and the cost of gasoline rising steadily, daily transportation has become an issue in the United States. In Minnesota, public transportation is an affordable and convenient way to make your way around town. With one of the best public transportation systems in the country, residents can travel anywhere they need to go by using one of the many public transportation options Minnesota has to offer. Check out all of these choices for stress-free travel.
Metro Transit Bus
Metropolitan Council Services
390 Robert St. N.
St. Paul, MN 55101
(651) 602-1000
www.metrotransit.org
Save over $9,000 annually by taking the bus. The Twin Cites' Metro Transit system offers an extensive bus schedule that covers an expansive area that is increasing every year. Call or go online for assistance with finding your schedule, bus stop and understanding the system. A metro-pass can be purchased for easy boarding, and payment of fares and rides to certain events are free with a paid ticket to the event. Fares differ during rush hour and children, seniors, Medicare members and those with disabilities have discounted rates. Never pay for parking again.
Light Rail
Metro Blue Line
Minneapolis, MN
(612) 373-3333
www.metrotransit.org
Travel in a quick and fuel-efficient train from Downtown Minneapolis to the Mall of America on the Light Rail. Also referred to as the Metro Blue Line, the Light Rail is a quiet and clean train that runs continuously over 12 miles. There are 19 stops along the Light Rail path that range from downtown attractions to the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport. Take advantage of Park & Ride lots along the Light Rail or just connect with a bus route near the station for easy access to other parts of city. The Light Rail has many planned extensions and current construction to expand its path.
Nice Ride Bike Share
2701 36th Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55406
(877) 551-6423
www.niceridemn.org
Minneapolis and St. Paul are two of the major cities in the country that participate in the Nice Ride Bike Share program. Bike docking stations are located throughout the cities with public bikes available to rent on an hourly basis. Currently there are over 170 stations throughout the cities and over 1,500 bikes available for rent. Cruise to work or an appointment along one of the many dedicated bike paths and bike lanes. Minneapolis encourages bike commuters to the point where it was named America's most bike-friendly city. That's pretty good for a cold-weather state. Check out the website for rental fees and subscription information.
Ride Share Carpool
560 6th Ave. N.
Minneapolis, MN 55411
(612) 349-7222
www.metrotransit.org/carpool
Join the commuter community and discover the benefits of ride-sharing and carpooling with each trip to the office. Freeways offer express lanes for carpoolers to encourage ride-sharing, and ramp meter fees can be avoided by carpooling as well. Metro Transit makes it easy to find carpoolers and vanpoolers going your way to work by offering a ride-share and commuter-matching service through its website. Complete a commuter account and find out which commuters are heading your way. Save on parking and make a new friend in the process.
Pedicab
Twin Town Pedicabs
917 5th Ave. S
Minneapolis, MN 55404
(612) 338-1128
www.twintownpedicabs.com
If you're traveling around downtown and don't have far to go, a Pedicab may be your best option. Modeled after the Eastern rickshaw, a Pedicab consists of three wheels and a pedaling driver that can easily maneuver through traffic and get you where you want to go. Pedicabs are a fantastic way to cut down on pollution and enjoy the city outside the confines of a vehicle. Hail down a Pedicab or reserve one through the website.
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Andrea Wodele is a freelance writer who has lived in the Twin Cities for eight years. She loves covering all things Minnesota and her work can be found on Examiner.com.
