Twin Cities Transit

Transit: A Path to the Future

2012-01-22T14:58:00.000-06:00

Returned to LRT

2012-01-09T22:23:00.005-06:00

I had to go back to the bus side for a month until a opening in LRT. On Jan 2 I returned to LRT for some training and was turned out on Friday Jan 6.

This is the first time that I pulled into the Mall of America as Metro Transit LRT operator on my own.

Central Corridor Update

2011-11-30T22:59:00.001-06:00

Car Hit By Light Rail Train

2011-11-20T18:51:00.001-06:00

And no that was not me.

Training 3

2011-11-15T23:18:00.002-06:00

This was my 3rd day training on the main line. I picked up passenger during rush hour. Operating in service the last 4 days. Things are going great and having a good time.

LRT Training 2

2011-11-11T11:19:00.003-06:00

I passed my final test on rules class. Last night was my first night on the main line training on LRV. Things are going very well.

LRT Training

2011-10-28T17:09:00.004-05:00

I finished my first week of training for LRT (Light Rail Train) operator for Metro Transit today. On Monday, my first day, I felt overwhelmed and wondered what I got myself into to. Now today, Friday, I am feeling "I can do this!"

I operated the LRV this week, VERY COOL. Toured the Maintenance Dept. They do an incredible job. A lot goes into maintaining the LRVs.

This week we had 2 quizzes. I scored 100% correct on both. Still have lots to learn.

Burnsville Fire Muster

2011-09-15T17:29:00.001-05:00

Central Corridor Update

2011-08-28T10:04:00.000-05:00

Minneapolis Transit History Tour

2011-08-10T20:46:00.003-05:00

Minneapolis Transit Museum is presenting the MPLS TRANSIT HISTORY TOUR on Sat Aug 13, 2011 at 2 PM

Former ATU member Phil Epstein for the Minnesota Transportation Museum presents a visit to several historic sites in the city to follow the evolution of public transit from the horsecars to electric streetcars to the modern buses.

We visit former carbarns, powerhouses, tracks in the street, and a ride on 2 different vintage Minneapolis city streetcars.

Our journey will be on an original 1954 city bus of the type that replaced the streetcars.
Donation is $12.00 at the bus. Bus loads on 5th St. North near 10th Ave North for a 2PM departure. Free parking is on some areas of 10th Ave N. and on N. 5th St., north of 10th Ave. Tour is not appropriate for most children under 12, but kids interested in cars and buses will love it. We return at 4:30 PM. Call for info or directions. 612 360-7575.

2011 Buses

2011-07-28T19:59:00.005-05:00

2011 New Flyer D60LFR and Gillig BRT (middle)

Interior of Bus 3363

Destination sign control. It has a touch screen.

Driver's Seat Bus 3363

Gateway Commission Has Open House

2011-07-22T11:02:00.003-05:00

Gateway Corridor Commission Holds Open House in Hudson to Discuss Mass Transit Options Along I-94

Members of the public were invited to attend an open house on Tuesday put on at the St. Croix County Government Center by the Gateway Corridor Commission. The group put on the open house so the public could get the opportunity to learn about the group's transit plans from downtown Minneapolis through St. Paul, Woodbury, Hudson and all the way to Eau Claire.

The group has identified eight transit alternatives to study in greater detail over the next several months. Some of the options include bus service, others include light rail service. One option includes commuter rail service along existing tracks.

What are the alternatives being studied?

Alternative 1: The “no build” option would maintain current express bus service from the central cities to Woodbury. The buses would travel on MnPASS lanes between Minneapolis and St. Paul and then use the shoulder when traffic is moving slow between St. Paul and Woodbury.

Alternative 2: This option is the same as the first option, except it adds express bus service all the way to Eau Claire from the central cities.

Alternative 3: This option would incorporate bus rapid transit—similar to express bus service, but faster—in a MnPASS lane from Minneapolis to St. Paul and a bus-only lane from St. Paul to Hudson along Interstate 94. Express buses would connect Hudson to Eau Claire.

Alternative 4: This option would be the same as Option 3, however the route would travel along Seventh Street in St. Paul and would travel along Hudson Road in Woodbury.

Alternative 5: This option provides light rail transit from St. Paul’s Union Depot to Hudson along Interstate 94. Express buses would connect Hudson to Eau Claire.

Alternative 6: This option provides light rail transit on a more windy route than Option 5. The route would travel down Seventh Street in. St. Paul, then travel along Interstate 94 starting at White Bear Avenue, and then travel along Hudson Road in Woodbury and connect back with Interstate 94. Express buses would connect Hudson to Eau Claire.

Alternative 7: The seventh option would create commuter rail from Minneapolis to Eau Claire using existing track. There are two potential routes to the Union Depot in St. Paul. From the Depot, the route would travel along Union Pacific Railroad tracks north of Interstate 94 to Eau Claire.

Alternative 8: The eighth option would use MnPASS lanes from Minneapolis to Hudson. The option would include adding Park and Ride lots throughout the corridor. Express buses would connect Hudson to Eau Claire.

Funding For Transit Agreed

2011-07-19T08:53:00.001-05:00

Conferees reconcile 4 spending bills

In the bills finalized Monday, one of the most significant changes involves the funding of Twin Cities transit. Republican lawmakers wanted to cut Met Council funding to about $20 million -- $100 million below current levels. Dayton wanted $129 million

Northstar Shutdown Due to Derailment

2011-07-16T12:09:00.003-05:00

Metro Transit Fare Hike & Cuts in Service?

2011-07-06T21:23:00.000-05:00

Planning for Potential Transit Budget Reductions

2011-06-28T13:13:00.001-05:00

At the June 27, 2011 meeting of the Metropolitan Council Transportation Committee, John Levin, Metro Transit's Director of Service Development, summarizes Metro Transit's plans to provide information and collect public input regarding potential transit service reductions and fare increases, which may be necessary given anticipated shortfalls in the regional transit operations budget.

While watching the video, you can also view Levin's slide presentation (14 pages, pdf).

One of Those Days

2011-05-16T22:06:00.002-05:00

Thought I would repost this because I had lot of strollers today.

Met Council, feds make Central Corridor funding deal official

2011-05-06T19:45:00.000-05:00

Metro Transit Bus Collides with Truck

2011-05-04T10:46:00.002-05:00

Bus Collides with Truck in Downtown St. Paul, 8 Injured

At least eight people were rushed to Regions Hospital after a Metro Transit bus collided with a truck in downtown St. Paul Wednesday morning.

The collision sent the bus, route 94, into a nearby parking garage shortly after 9 a.m. at Cedar and Sixth Streets. A Metro Transit spokesperson says the truck ran a red light.

John Siqveland of Metro Transit tells KSTP.com the bus went into the Alliance Bank Center parking ramp after the collision.

The driver of the bus at one point was trapped inside the bus.

Metro Transit officials say it appears the victims suffered non-life threatening injuries. Two of the victims who were inside of the truck were taken to the hospital with "five or six" victims on the bus also taken to the hospital.

Metro Transit expects the scene of the crash to be cleared by 11 a.m.

Metro Transit Police, according to Siqveland, ticketed the driver of the truck. The driver of the bus will be given a drug and alcohol test, which is Metro Transit policy.

St. Paul Crash Highlights Stroller Safety on Buses

ATU Local 1005 Votes on Contract

2011-05-04T09:31:00.000-05:00

Twin Cities transit workers to decide May 1 on contract

MINNEAPOLIS - Members of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1005 will decide May 1 whether to approve a tentative settlement reached last weekend with the Metropolitan Council, which operates Metro Transit.
Details of the agreement are not being released, but the Local 1005 Executive Board is recommending ratification, Local 1005 President Michelle Sommers said.

Members will gather Sunday, May 1, at 11 a.m. at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium in downtown St. Paul to view and discuss the offer and start balloting. Voting will continue until 4 p.m.

For members unable to attend the St. Paul meeting, arrangements have been made to vote at the Minneapolis Labor Center, the union said.

The agreement covers approximately 2,300 bus drivers, mechanics and other workers. Contract negotiations, which began last summer, have been taking place as the Legislature considers massive cuts in funding for transit that could lead to job losses and higher fares for riders. Local 1005 is part of a broad-based coalition advocating support for a quality public transit system.

UPDATE:
Metro Transit workers approve new contract

MINNEAPOLIS - Nine months after their last contract expired, members of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1005, which represents Metro Transit drivers, mechanics and other staff, have voted to approve a two-year agreement with the Metropolitan Council.
The contract was approved by a 78 to 22 percent margin, the union announced Monday.

The pact covers about 2,300 employees of Metro Transit, which is operated by the Met Council. Local 1005 members voted Sunday at Roy Wilkins Auditorium in downtown St. Paul.

Michelle Sommers, president of ATU Local 1005, said the approved contract reflects a trade off: members agreed to a two-year wage freeze in exchange for seeing no changes to their health insurance plans.

“It’s not a great offer, but we needed to keep health care the same,” Sommers said. “That’s a big issue to us.”

Sommers said the local’s executive board recommended members vote to ratify the contract, the terms of which will be applied retroactively to Aug. 1, when the previous contract expired.

Negotiations between ATU Local 1005 and the Met Council took place as Republican majorities in the Legislature proposed deep cuts in funding for public transit – cuts the union says would lead to job losses and higher fares for riders.

Central Corridor Light Rail Transit Full Funding Grant Agreement

2011-04-22T09:23:00.001-05:00

The Full Funding Grant Agreement (FFGA) signing will occur at 11 a.m. in the Harold E. Stassen Office Building on the LRT route at 600 N. Robert Street in the state Capitol complex.
Gov. Mark Dayton, Sen. Al Franken, Rep. Betty McCollum, the mayors of St. Paul and Minneapolis, commissioners from Ramsey and Hennepin counties and Metropolitan Council Chair Sue Haigh will be among the speakers. Planners invited current and former officeholders who played a role in shepherding the line through 30 years of planning to unite Minnesota’s capital city and its largest city by light rail. This line is becoming a reality because of the partnership between state and local governments, which include the Ramsey and Hennepin counties’ regional rail authorities, the cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis and the Counties Transit Improvement Board.

Met Council Caught Wasting Money

2011-04-22T09:13:00.001-05:00

Light Rail Party Plans on Taxpayer Dime Derailed

Higher gas prices increases Metro Transit ridership

2011-04-15T09:53:00.001-05:00

Maple Grove P & R Full

2011-04-07T23:41:00.003-05:00

Transit Station Parking Ramp at Capacity

Due to increasing ridership, the frequency of the parking ramp at the Maple Grove Transit Station being full by 8:15 a.m. is increasing. This happens most often on Tuesdays. As a result, commuters should plan accordingly as Maple Grove Transit cannot guarantee that all commuters seeking a parking ramp stall will be able to obtain one. The new Parkway Station served by the Route 785 may be a suitable option for some commuters to consider with a trips leaving Parkway Station at 5:48, 6:23, 6:48, 7:02, 7:15, 7:45, 8:00, and 8:18 a.m. If gas prices continue to rise, Maple Grove Transit expects the ramp to be full on a regular basis and may be full to capacity before 8:00 a.m.

Central Corridor Update

2011-04-07T11:55:00.003-05:00

Officials from the Metropolitan Council update the status of construction of the Central Corridor and urge residents to continue to support local businesses as they cope with construction along the light rail line.

For info call 651-602-1404 or go to www.centralcorridor.org

Bob Newhart - Bus Driver Training

2011-04-03T15:30:00.000-05:00

Bob Newhart's 'Bus Driver Training' skit from his Button Down Comedy stand-up show. This video was recorded in 1995, but I believe it was originally found on 'The Button-Down Mind Strikes Back', which was released in 1960 as an audio recording.

Bus Driver Song

2011-04-03T15:24:00.001-05:00

Winnipeg Manitoba video on how the transit system works
video from the 80,s

City Bus Pranks -April Fools

2011-04-01T15:39:00.000-05:00

Central Corridor LRT Line Animation

2011-04-01T02:41:00.001-05:00

Take Transit to the Game

2011-03-28T17:05:00.007-05:00

Metro Transit has several options to get you to Target Field with ease:

Bus There are bus routes from all over the metro, including Express Route 679 from the I-394 & County Road 73 Park & Ride ramp, serving every game

Light Rail Park for free along the line and hop on for an easy ride downtown

Northstar Line New this year -- Northstar trains will serve every home game. Get the Northstar Twins schedule here.

Plus, we can help you get there by carpool or bicycle Find all your options click HERE

Budget cuts could increase Metro Transit fares

2011-03-28T09:51:00.000-05:00

Super Bowl XLV Champion Green Bay Packers return home to Lambeau Field in Green Bay Metro Buses

2011-02-08T11:00:00.003-06:00

Nove BRT Demonstration Bus

2011-01-26T08:47:00.009-06:00

Nove BRT Bus was diplayed at Haywood Garage on Jan. 25, 2010

NOVA Bus Specifications

Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T22:28:00.000-06:00

Bus Driver Nightmare

2010-12-18T08:34:00.000-06:00

7-year-old struck, killed by Milwaukee County bus

UPDATE:

Police and transit officials are investigating the cause of a crash that killed a child and injured two others. Police say they've seen no evidence of negligence by the bus driver.

WISN report HERE.

Metro Transit Shuts Down Service in Storm

2010-12-11T21:36:00.001-06:00

Snowstorm Stops Metro Transit Buses

Metro Transit suspended its bus operations at 1:41 p.m. Saturday, due to poor street conditions. Spokesman Bob Gibbons said bus operators were completing their current trips and heading to the garage until conditions improve.

Hiawatha light-rail and Northstar commuter rail service continues.

Buses will leave garages beginning at 10 a.m. on Sunday morning. Light rail and Northstar service are expected to operate as scheduled. per Metro Transit website

I-35W at 46th Street StationGrand Opening

2010-12-11T11:23:00.002-06:00

I-35W at 46th Street Station

A new transit station on I-35W at 46th Street in Minneapolis is the first of its kind for the Twin Cities region.

The new station is between the northbound and southbound lanes, which will allow buses to pick up and drop off customers without leaving the freeway. Customers can board express buses on the freeway level or transfer to local buses on the 46th Street bridge. Watch a simulation of buses serving the station.
Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting

I-35W & 46th Street Station
11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 11

46th Street bridge will be closed during the event.
Bus service is available on routes 11 and 46.
Ride free to the event. Download a pass.

Size Two levels (53-foot x 300-foot) provide movement between express buses on the freeway level and 46th Street buses on the bridge.

Access There are two stairway and elevator towers, one on each side of 46th Street, that provide movement between the upper-level bridge and lower-level freeway platform.

Traffic controls Gates and traffic signals control traffic access to the I-35W level of the station.

Customer areas Heating and cooling is provided by a geothermal system to make waiting more comfortable. Lighting is provided by high efficiency LED fixtures.

Real-time updates NexTrip signs display real-time information so you always know when your bus will depart.

Structure Cast-in-place concrete structure supported on a concrete platform placed on a foundation of drilled helical piers. The roof is formed by curved steel beams and purlins supported by round steel columns. The enclosure is an aluminum frame window wall system.

UPDATE: CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER

Met Council awards last major construction contract for project

2010-12-09T23:32:00.001-06:00

The Metropolitan Council today awarded PCL Construction Services Inc. of Burnsville, Minn., a $43.1 million contract to convert a vacant former factory in St. Paul into the operations and maintenance facility for the Central Corridor LRT Project.

The contract includes $1.2 million for PCL to install a vehicle hoist at the Hiawatha LRT's Franklin facility, a betterment requested and funded by Metro Transit. It also includes work necessary for systems testing by the summer of 2013 in order to maintain the start of revenue service in 2014 and avoid a construction delay and cost escalation impacts. PCL's bid includes $41.9 million of Central Corridor project expense (including up to $1.2 million in sales tax), compared with the operations and maintenance facility project budget of $45.8 million.

This is the last major construction contract award for the project. Of the $590 million worth of construction and LRV contract awards including the operations facility, the project has experienced a cumulative underrun of $34 million.

The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise goal for this contract was 15 percent. PCL, the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, reported a DBE participation of about 6 percent but passed the DBE evaluation based on participation and documentation of good-faith efforts. None of the other bidders met the 15 percent goal either.

The Met Council also authorized the regional administrator to issue a Limited Notice to Proceed in an amount of $1.6 million. Award of the contract and issuance of the notice will proceed immediately due to receipt of the Federal Transit Administration Letter of No Prejudice (LONP) last week.

Sufficient funding commitment from local sources is available to award the construction contract under the LONP. The LONP ensures the eligibility of these expenditures for federal funding reimbursement upon execution of the Full Funding Grant Agreement expected in the first quarter of 2011. The FTA and local funding partners support the operation and maintenance facility package, the contract award under the Letter of No Prejudice and issuance of the Limited Notice to Proceed.

In other Central Corridor LRT construction news, Carl Bolander & Sons substantially completed utility relocation and road construction in November on Fourth Street in downtown St. Paul. Temporary two-way traffic was restored. Work to lay the tracks, build stations and install the electrical and communication systems will occur in 2011-2012.

Walsh Construction began work after Labor Day east of the state Capitol on Robert and 12th streets north of Interstate 94. Most of the heavy construction by Walsh on University Avenue will occur in 2011 between Emerald Street and Hamline Avenue and in 2012 between Hamline and Robert.

Ames-McCrossan, a joint venture, began prep work last week to retrofit the Washington Avenue Bridge to accommodate LRT trains by strengthening the bridge piers. This work will not affect vehicular or pedestrian/bicycle traffic on the bridge during the fall 2010 semester. The bulk of the construction on the Minneapolis segment will start in spring 2011.

New Fare Option

2010-12-04T10:11:00.000-06:00

Starting in December 1, Metro Transit will be offering new fare option. Passengers will be able to purchase a 7-Day pass on the Go-To-Card. The cost for the pass will be $22.00. This pass will be good on Local and Non-Peak Express Buses. This is an effort to expand the use of Go-To-Card with passenger who have a fixed income and is not able to purchase the 31-Day Pass.

UPDATE: Here is information on Metro Transit website for the New 7-Day Pass.

Northstar Commuter Rail Model Train

2010-12-04T01:49:00.005-06:00

Looking for a Christmas present you can get Northstar Commuter Rail # 505 and Bombardier 3-Car Set model train. Northstar Commuter Rail model train are manufactured by Athearn Trains (HO Scale) are available at the Metro Transit On-line Store.

Minneapolis aims to upgrade transit service

2010-12-01T09:21:00.002-06:00

Minneapolis aims to upgrade transit service
Minneapolis proposal would add waiting space, shelters and signs, but a business representative said she has concerns about the effect on property owners.

ACCESS MINNEAPOLIS:
DOWNTOWN EAST-WEST TRANSIT SPINE PLAN

55th Anniversary: Rosa Park Refuses to Move

2010-12-01T08:56:00.004-06:00

Biography: Rosa Parks:

This is actual bus that Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat to a white passenger in 1955. The bus in now in the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, MI.

Transit News

2010-11-29T14:56:00.002-06:00

Community Columnist: Operators of opt-out bus systems face tough choices

Changing transportation priorities

Transit union challenges new policy on cell phones

Coon Rapids Public Works Salting Street

2010-11-21T11:37:00.003-06:00

Coon Rapids Public Works salting my steet on this icy morning.

Something Smells on the New Buses

2010-11-20T01:03:00.000-06:00

How to Ride Transit Link

2010-11-13T08:51:00.002-06:00

Ride to Rewards

2010-11-02T13:30:00.007-05:00

On Nov 1, Metro Transit launched a new program to encourage people to ride. This is the first of its kind program in the transit industry. Riders can accumulate points by riding the bus and trains and by shopping at participating merchants.

The program, Ride to Rewards, is free and open to anyone with a Go-to-card, Metropass, U-Pass' College Pass, or Student Pass. Point can be converted to value on their passes or redeem for gift cards. Passengers can enroll in the program at RideToRewards.com

Downtown St. Paul on Central Corridor

2010-10-30T00:23:00.002-05:00

Animation of the Central Corridor LRT line from 5th and Cedar to the Maintenance facility

Milwaukee County Transit System

2010-10-21T10:21:00.001-05:00

Milwaukee County Transit System 2010 New Flyer D40LFR on route 10 and 55.

Milwaukee County Transit System New Flyer D40LF

Coon Rapids Fire Department Open House

2010-10-09T14:37:00.005-05:00

Coon Rapids Fire Department

Open House
at
Station #1 is located on Egret Boulevard, one block North of Coon Rapids Boulevard. Station #2 is located at 1199 121st Ave NW. Station #3 is located at Crooked Lake Boulevard and 113th Avenue

Oct. 9,2010

Fire Sprinkler Demonstration at Station 2

Maple Grove Route 784 and 785 Update

2010-10-06T15:23:00.001-05:00

•Effective, Monday October 11, Maple Grove Transit will add a new trip leaving Wal-Mart at 8:00 a.m.
•The new Route 785 will begin on December 6 from the new Parkway Transit Station.
•The Route 784 and the Wal-Mart park-and-ride are eliminated on December 3.
Click here for details:

Metro Transit Temporarily Closes 2 Mpls. Bus Stops

2010-10-01T01:14:00.001-05:00

At the request of the Minneapolis Police Department, Metro Transit temporarily closed two bus stops on the north side of the city.

The two stops, located at the intersection of Penn Avenue North and Golden Valley Road, were closed on Sept. 13 and will stay closed through Oct. 13.

The department asked for the closures in response to loitering and drug dealing at the intersection and an increase in violent crime, according to Inspector Mike Martin, the commander of the fourth precinct.

The shuttered stops service the 19 line, one of the city's busiest. About 185 riders board buses at the two stops on an average weekday, according to Bob Gibbons, a Metro Transit spokesman.

There are no plans to permanently close the stops, Gibbons said.

Community members will rally to protest the closures at the intersection on Saturday at 3 p.m.

Travel Behavior Inventory

2010-09-28T13:26:00.002-05:00

Metropolitan Council wants to know your travel habits.

Maple Grove New MCI Coach

2010-09-27T15:53:00.004-05:00

Maple Grove's new MCI coach buses has arrived. This is one of 3 that will be delivered to MJ Ruter Garage. These buses will be used on the new Maple Grove Route 785 serving the new Parkway Transit Station

MJ Ruter Garage Champ

2010-09-27T14:54:00.003-05:00

I found out today that I came in the top 20 and also topped all the drivers at Ruter Garage in the Metro Transit Roadeo

Different Interior

2010-09-27T14:48:00.005-05:00

The new New Flyer D60LFR have different interior seats compared to the earlier buses. They are on bus # 3338, 3339,3340

2010 Metro Transit Bus Roadeo

2010-09-21T16:06:00.001-05:00

2010 Metro Transit Bus Roadeo at Como Transit Station. This is the first year they used Gillig BRT. The course has been redesigned

Investigative Reports on Metro Transit

2010-09-21T00:43:00.002-05:00

Metro Transit Drivers Capitalize on Overtime Pay

FOX 9 Cameras Catch Metro Transit Scammers

New Contract Offer

2010-09-20T22:57:00.000-05:00

Metro Transit Workers to Vote

UPDATE:

Metro Transit Workers Reject Contract Offer

Northstar Commuter Rail with 10 Passenger Cars

2010-09-19T13:46:00.003-05:00

Metro Transit Northstar Commuter Rail at Coon Rapids Station. 10 Bombardier Bi-level passenger cars and 2 Motive Power MP-36 locomotives
9-19-2010

Person Takes Bus for Joy Ride in Chicago

2010-09-17T13:10:00.011-05:00

Police: Man stole uniform, posed as bus driver

Central Corridor Update

2010-09-15T23:49:00.001-05:00

Briefing on Council-University LRT Agreement to the Metropolitan Council

Engine 1 Coon Rapids Fire Department

2010-09-15T21:28:00.003-05:00

On display at Moor Park In Coon Rapids Ward 5 "Summer In the City" meeting.

Suspicious Package at Bus Stop Not Explosive

2010-09-11T22:29:00.000-05:00

Police: Suspicious Package at Bus Stop Not Explosive

Authorities say a suspicious package removed from a University Avenue bus shelter Saturday evening was not an explosive.

Members of the St. Paul bomb squad removed the package shortly before 6 p.m. from a bus shelter near Berry Street.

Several blocks of University Avenue were closed after two University of Minnesota students reported the package late afternoon. The road has since re-opened.

Bomb squad personnel used a robot to remove the package from the shelter, loading it into a protective container and into a trailer. Police spokesperson Andy Skoogman said authorities are still trying to determine what the object is, but it does not contain an explosive.

Customers at a Dunn Brothers Coffee near the scene were stuck inside for about an hour and a half on the direction of police, who told them to keep away from windows.

2010 Burnsville Fire Muster

2010-09-11T20:24:00.004-05:00

Burnsville Fire Muster Fire Truck Parade

Auto Extrication Demonstration by the Burnsville Fire Departmant and Lakeville Fire Department

Car Fire Demonstration by the Savage Fire Depatment

2010 Minnesota State Fair

2010-09-07T19:03:00.003-05:00

Old Metro Transit Bus # 378 now a Lorenz Bus Service Bus # 1520

Worker Hit, Killed on Northstar Rail Line in Coon Rapids

2010-09-02T10:02:00.002-05:00

Victim identified in Northstar Commuter Line accident

Straddling Bus

2010-08-25T11:07:00.001-05:00

ATU Voting on Contract Offer

2010-08-23T23:00:00.000-05:00

ATU Local 1005 is voting on a contract offer from Metro Transit today and tomorrow.

My prediction is that the membership rejects it overwhelmingly

Update:

Metro Transit drivers continue voting on contract proposal Monday

Transit workers reject contract; strike is possible

Bus Annunciator

2010-08-23T13:01:00.003-05:00

Starting on Sept. 11, Metro Transit buses on Route 10 and 18 will offer automated annunciator. The system will broadcasts bus stops and major intersections by audio and visual display inside the bus. Outside the bus , an audio message announces the route number and destination as the buss arrives at the stop.

The system use GPS data to track the location of the bus and matches up the appropriate announcement.

This was tested on the Route 17 last winter.

Cities tackle traffic head-on with commuter options

2010-08-16T01:20:00.002-05:00

Passanger Complain

2010-08-14T12:13:00.002-05:00

Riders Complain Metro Transit Line Is A Tight Ride
Metro Transit Light Rail rides during Twins games at Target Field is so popular, it has riders complaining about the lack of room.

Metro transit spokesman Bob Gibbons says Light Rail ridership to the games is up more than 6% compared to last year at the Metrodome.

Gibbons says all of Hiwatha's 27 rail cars run every ten minutes after games and that conditions can get tight inside the cars.

Metro Transit Board approved adding more cars to the Hiawatha

Not as bad as it is in Japan

New Park and Ride

2010-08-04T20:34:00.004-05:00

Maple Grove Transit announced the construction of the new Parkway Transit Station located along Maple Grove Parkway across the street from the Maple Grove Hospital. There will be 500 stall surface lot and indoor station.

Phase 1 is expected to open for use by late October 2010 and the indoor station will open in January 2010. When the park-and-ride lot open in October express bus operation for the Route 784 at the Wal-Mart Park-and-Ride lot will cease and expanded as the new Route 785 at the Parkway Station. The Route 785 will offer seven trips to Minneapolis in the morning and seven return trips in the evening. The new MCI coaches will be used on this route.

Future expansion plans include a one level parking ramp with additional 475 parking spaces.

Pickup Flips onto LRT tracks

2010-07-31T00:34:00.000-05:00

Pickup Flips onto LRT tracks, Twins Fans Delayed
Light rail is up and running again Friday night

2010 Gillig BRT

2010-07-27T18:52:00.004-05:00

2010 Gillig BRT Metro Transit Bus #1211 parked at MJ Ruter Garage parking lot.

Without Ads

With Ads. They did not waste time putting ads on this bus. I took the above pictures the day before.
I noticed that the 2010 Gilligs BRT have 3 side turn signals. One on each side of the front wheel well. Also, looks like they recycled the bike rakes from the old buses.

Man Attacked on Bus

2010-07-27T09:17:00.002-05:00

Good Samaritan attacked trying to stop assault

Charges come in Good Samaritan beating

Boy's Near-Miss Playing Chicken With Train

2010-07-20T17:35:00.000-05:00

Shocking footage of school boy playing chicken with high speed passenger train

Union Depot Project

2010-07-20T15:39:00.002-05:00

Updated animation and 3D modeling of Ramsey County's Union Depot renovation project in downtown St. Paul, Minnesota, by the project team. Construction is scheduled to begin in fall 2010. Operations are scheduled to begin in fall 2012. The Depot will serve as a transit hub for the East Metro region, accommodating Amtrak, Greyhound, Jefferson Lines, Metro Transit buses and light rail, as well as future commuter and high speed rail lines.

Minneapolis Transit History Tour

2010-07-20T02:24:00.003-05:00

Phil Epstein, a former Twin Cities Rapid Transit (TCRT) bus driver, will lead a tour of historic sites related to transit on Saturday, August 7 2:00pm - 4:00pm. Epstein’s detailed knowledge of over a century of mass transit in the Twin Cities, ranging from streetcars to buses to light rail is p...henomenal. During the 1950’s Epstein drove the first generation of TCRT General Motor’s buses, purchased by the company following the demise of the Twin Cities’ streetcar system. A longtime labor activist, Phil later served as president of AFSCME Local 99 at the Minneapolis Central Library, retiring in 2002.

Participants will ride on board TCRT Bus No. 1303, one of several now owned and operated by the Minnesota Transportation Museum, where Epstein is a volunteer. An active MTC driver will operate No. 1303, with Epstein as the color commentator. The tour is sponsored by the Minnesota Transportation Museum and will visit sites in downtown South Minneapolis, including the MTC’s Nicollet Garage and the Como-Harriet streetcar line.TO JOIN THE TOUR:

Parking will be available on 5th Street North on the east side of the street from 6th Ave North to 10th Ave North. Tour Bus 1303 will load on the west side of 5th St N. near 10th Ave, in the Warehouse District.

DIRECTIONS:

To reach the site, go west on Washington Avenue N from Hennepin Ave. Turn left at 10th Ave N and proceed 3 blocks to 5th Ave N. (Twins play at Cleveland that day.)

COST:

The cost is $10 per person, whatever age, cash at the bus.

NO RESERVATION REQUIRED..

The tour will last about two hours.

For more information call the Museum’s Classic Bus Division at 651 228 0263, or Phil Epstein at 612 360 7575.

Working on New Artics

2010-07-16T08:27:00.000-05:00

Los Angeles Metro Blue Line 20 Year Anniversary

2010-07-14T00:05:00.000-05:00

This You Tube Video Documents the grand opening of the Los Angeles Metro Blue Line on July 14, 1990

Speeding up Routes with Technology

2010-07-12T12:03:00.001-05:00

St. Paul buses to add tech to speed up late routes
by Dan Olson, Minnesota Public Radio
July 8, 2010

St. Paul, Minn. — Some St. Paul bus routes will have new technology next year to help buses stay on schedule.

Bus drivers running late on their route will be able to make a red light change faster or hold a green light longer. Metro Transit spokesman Bob Gibbons says the signal technology is successful on a route in Minneapolis.

"We have found that our experiment of this technology on Central avenue in Minneapolis north of downtown has been quite favorable in terms of improving the reliability of the bus service, about a 15 percent time savings in this market based on the use of transit signal priority."

Gibbons says installation of the technology begins next year for some buses on Snelling Avenue and on West Seventh Street in St. Paul. The technology is paid for by a $1.2 million federal grant.

There will also be less guesswork for some riders as to when their Metro Transit bus arrives. Beginning next year, Metro Transit will put up more signs that tell riders when the next bus is arriving at the bus stop.

"Variable message signs that count down the arrival time of the bus for the customer who is standing there waiting, gives them assurance that the bus is en route," Gibbons said. "In addition to having the information by sign it's also available today on cell phones and mobile devices and computers."

Gibbons says the electronic signs are similar to the ones on two busways in downtown Minneapolis.

Retired Driver Dies in Fire

2010-07-12T11:59:00.001-05:00

Retired Metro Transit Driver Dies in Minneapolis House Fire
Cluttered conditions make rescue difficult

Teen Steals Bus

2010-07-12T11:38:00.002-05:00

Metro Bus Stolen By D.C. Teen

AP Report:

Fire Trucks in Coon Rapids Lions'/Firemen's 4th of July Celebration Parade

2010-07-07T17:59:00.001-05:00

Fire trucks from Andover and Coon Rapids Fire Department in Coon Rapids Lions'/Firemen's 4th of July Celebration Parade on July 1, 2010

Mirror

2010-07-07T17:50:00.004-05:00

Metro Transit is in the process of lowering the driver side mirror on all of Gillig BRT. This is being done in response of driver complaints. Also, Metro Transit are testing LED turn signals on the mirrors on some of the Gillig BRT.

(Sorry not the greatest of video. This was taken with my cell phone)

More 2010 New Flyer D60LFR

2010-07-04T23:55:00.002-05:00

C.R.A.S.H.

2010-07-02T01:30:00.003-05:00

Metro Transit Police C.R.A.S.H. (Crash Reconstruction and Crime Scene Handling) Unit. Parked at Brooklyn Center Transit Center

Shooters Caught

2010-07-02T01:22:00.003-05:00

The suspects in Bus Shooting were caught by Metro Police.

10 Years

2010-07-01T00:01:00.000-05:00

July will mark 10 year of driving transit bus. I started in July of 2000 driving for Waukesha Metro Transit. In March of 2008, I started driving for Metro Transit in Twin Cities.

Brooklyn Center Fire Department Open House

2010-06-27T10:57:00.001-05:00

Brooklyn Center Fire Department Open House on June 26, 2010 at the West Fire Station

Kitchen Fire Demonstration

2010 New Flyer D60LFR

2010-06-25T00:51:00.006-05:00

The 2010 New Flyer D60LFR has has arrived. Here are a 9 parked outside of MJ Ruter Garage. They will be going to Heywood and East Metro Garages.

Central Corridor Contract Awarded

2010-06-23T21:26:00.001-05:00

Met Council Awards $205.1 Million Contract To Walsh Construction

The Metropolitan Council awarded its first heavy construction contract for the Central Corridor light rail transit project to Walsh Construction Wednesday.

The $205.1 million award will build the seven-mile St. Paul segment of the line.

Construction is expected to begin in August east of the state Capitol on Robert and 12th streets north of Interstate 94. Utility relocation work, however, is expected to start soon after July 4.

Officials say most of the heavy construction on University Avenue will occur in 2011 between Emerald Street and Hamline Avenue and in 2012 between Hamline and Robert. The work in downtown St. Paul will occur in 2011-2012.

Bids for the heavy construction work on the line’s western three miles will be opened July 27. The Met Council is scheduled to award that contract Aug. 25.

How to be safe around LRT

2010-06-22T10:39:00.000-05:00

Bus Shooting

2010-06-22T10:33:00.001-05:00

Transit Police Look For 3 In Bus Shooting

Police are looking for the three suspects involved in a shooting on a metro transit bus Monday night.

Metro Transit officers responded to the intersection of 27th Avenue North and Penn Avenue North in Minneapolis after shots were fired around midnight.

A witness says three people got onto the bus and started an argument with him. He says they got off the bus and fired several shots at him.

No one was injured.

How to Ride the Lightrail

2010-06-18T13:38:00.001-05:00

Metro Transit is on You Tube

2010-06-14T03:25:00.001-05:00

Metro Transit now has a You Tube Channel

mymetrotransit's Channel

Waukesha Metro Transit

2010-06-13T12:49:00.004-05:00

Waukesha Metro Transit at the Shoppes on Fox shopping center and Downtown Transit Center

First Transit Loses Contract

2010-06-06T14:27:00.002-05:00

County Traveler service gets new operator

Anoka County regular route and dial-a-ride bus services will have a new operator Aug. 1.

The Anoka County Board, on the recommendation of its Public Works Committee, has awarded a five-year contract to MV Transportation Inc. to provide Anoka County Traveler regular route transit, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) dial-a-ride service and Anoka County and NW Ramsey County Transit Link service.

First Transit has operated these services for the past 18 years for Anoka County, but their existing five-year contract ends June 30.

MVTA Cedar Grove Transit Station

2010-06-05T12:50:00.002-05:00