Apr 9, 2024 - News

Metro Transit will switch to shorter trains, increase frequency

Nick Halter

A light rail train goes over a bridge with US Bank Stadium in the background — A Green Line train heading out of downtown Minneapolis. Photo: Mark Vancleave/Star Tribune via Getty Images

Metro Transit will switch to shorter but more frequent light rail trains in the coming months.

Why it matters: The transit agency told Axios that switching most routes from three cars to two will save $500,000 annually in maintenance costs and could help staff deal with crime and livability issues.

The latest: Starting this weekend, trains will be shortened to two cars on Saturdays and Sundays.

On June 15, weekday service will also be reduced to two cars, though trains will continue to have three for major events, like Twins and United FC games, concerts, and festivals.

What we're watching: If Metro Transit can hire and train enough operators by Aug. 17. It plans to increase train frequency from every 15 minutes to every 12 minutes for a "significant portion" of the time.

Eventually, it would like to improve frequency to every 10 minutes.

State of play: Metro Transit spokesperson Drew Kerr said the agency will monitor how having more people in each car changes behavior on the trains.

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Metro Transit will switch to shorter trains, increase frequency

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