New Year's Eve Transit Service

Many transit agency around the country offer free transit rides on New Years Eve. Should Metro Transit (Twin Cities) offer free rides on New Years Eve? Vote on Poll

Poll Results

Should Northstar have Wi-Fi?

Yes - 43 (87%)

No - 3 (6%)

Don't Care - (3 6%)

Gardena Municipal Bus Lines New Flyer GE40LF

Gardena Municipal Bus Lines ( Gardena, CA ). New Flyer GE40LF at 34th Avenue and American Boulevard in Bloomington, MN

Hiawatha LRT - American Blvd. Station

Hiawatha LRT - American Blvd. Station at 34th Avenue and American Boulevard in Bloomington, MN, opened today to LRT service. It will be the first light-rail station with a split-platform design, with trains bound for Minneapolis stopping north of American Boulevard and Mall-bound trains stopping south of the intersection.

Metro Transit Twinkle Bus

Twinkle Bus, Metro Transit Bus # 2342 - 1994 Gillig Phantom, at the annual Holidazzle Parade on Nicollet Mall in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Transit in the News

• New Light Rail Station Opening In Bloomington
• Hennepin County approves route for Southwest light-rail, linking Eden Prairies to Minneapolis
• Metro Transit sets station opening, notches initial Northstar ridership
• Spending bill includes money for rail extension
• New Northstar commuter train carried 33112 passengers in November

2nd Avenue and Marquette Avenue Opens Monday

Speedier Downtown Mpls. Bus Service Starts Monday

SouthWest Transit on YouTube

SouthWest Transit now has a YouTube Channel.

Taking your bike on the bus -- Then and Now

It's easy to Ride SouthWest Transit!

Routes will change on Dec. 12

These routes will change on Dec. 12

Beginning Saturday, Dec. 12, changes will be made to routes operated by Metro Transit and regional transit providers.
This list is an overview of the changes. If your route is listed, please pick up an updated schedule for details. Schedules are available below, on buses and trains and at Metro Transit stores and outlets.
Beginning Dec. 12, if you know your route and just need departure times, call NexTrip at 612-341-4287.
Jump down to:
Minnesota Valley Transit Authority
Maple Grove Transit
Plymouth Metrolink
SouthWest Transit
BlueXpress

Marquette and 2nd transit corridor opens in downtown Minneapolis
These routes will travel on the reconstructed Marquette Avenue and 2nd Avenue in downtown Minneapolis:
Metro Transit133, 135, 146, 156, 250, 260, 261, 264, 270, 288, 467, 535, 552, 553, 554, 558, 576, 578, 587, 597, 673, 760, 761, 762, 763, 765, 766, 767, 824, 850, 852, 854, 889
Minnesota Valley Transit Authority460, 464, 465, 470, 472, 476, 477, 478, 479
Maple Grove Transit780, 781, 782, 783, 784
Plymouth Metrolink742, 747, 772, 774, 776, 777, 790, 793, 795
SouthWest Transit680, 684, 685, 690, 691, 697, 698, 699
BlueXpress490
Schedule times for these routes will be adjusted due to faster bus travel speeds through downtown. Routes will stop every other block. Please pick up a new printed schedule or click here to see which stops your route will serve on Marquette and 2nd avenues.

Hiawatha LRT - American Boulevard Station

Dedication of the American Boulevard Station will take place at 1:30 PM on Wednesday, Dec. 9, with a ceremony at the new station. A reception will follow at the nearby Holiday Inn.

American Boulevard Station on Hiawatha LRT line will be opening on Dec. 12.

Metro Transit New Cell Phone Policy

Metro Transit has decided to join other major transit agencies to crack down on cell phones/electronic devices while operating bus or train.

The new policy requires that all cell phone/electronic devices (ipods, Bluetooths, and MP3 players} must be turned off and stowed away and not on the operators person when operating the bus or train. First offense the operator get a 20 -day suspension and a final record of warning. Second offence will lead to discharge.

Transit Link

Revamped dial-a-ride services hit the road starting in January



New fares for dial-a-ride services throughout the region will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2010. That’s when the phase-in of restructured, region-wide Transit Link service throughout the seven-county metropolitan area will begin.
The Metropolitan Council approved the fares in November. The fare structure is the final standard operating guideline for the new region-wide dial-a-ride service.


Dial-a-ride service is minibus or van service for members of the general public. It is different from the ADA-certified services provided by Metro Mobility, which serves riders who need additional assistance due to physical, cognitive or psychological limitations. These dial-a-ride changes do not affect ADA transit service.
The new fares are based on the distance traveled. For trips less than 10 miles, passengers will pay $2.25 each way. For trips between 10 and 20 miles, the fare will be $4.50 each way. And for trips greater than 20 miles, riders will pay $6.75 each way. Transfers are free, and discounts are available for group trips. ADA-certified riders pay a maximum of $4.50 per direction, regardless of distance.

• Restructuring aims to make service equitable
  The restructuring effort, which began in 2008, aimed to deliver dial-a-ride transit services that are equally available to all members of the general public throughout the seven-county metropolitan area where regular route transit service is not available. Dial-a-ride services are intended to supplement regular routes, rather than duplicate them.
  In addition, the effort will establish a consistent set of operating parameters – such as a single phone number for reservations, consistent hours of operation and a uniform window for advanced trip reservations – for all providers throughout the region.

• Transition will take place over five months
  The transition between current dial-a-ride providers and the switch to new Transit Link services will occur throughout the metro area over the first five months of 2010. New guidelines and fares will take effect in Anoka, Carver and Scott counties on Jan. 1, 2010. These three areas currently operate their own transit services and will continue to operate dial-a-ride services under the new structure.
  In addition, four metro-area counties – Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, and Washington – have chosen the Metro Council to operate dial-a-ride services in their area. As contracts for service in these areas come up for renewal, vendors chosen will operate under the Transit Link parameters and fare structure. New contracts for these communities will be in place on the following timeline:
  Feb. 1, 2010: Hennepin County
  March 1, 2010: Ramsey and Washington counties
  May 1, 2010: Dakota County


• Administrative effort will be streamlined
  More than 450,000 riders used dial-a-ride services in the seven-county metro area during 2008. The Council provides about $5 million per year to dial-a-ride programs throughout the region, often augmented by local funding. Currently, nearly 20 different government and non-profit organizations provide the region’s dial-a-ride services. Once the transition is complete, Transit Link services will be provided through five contracts.
  Each county has served on a coordinating advisory committee to recommend the new fares and operating parameters. In addition, counties will work collaboratively with the Council to manage Transit Link service and administer contracts.

• For riders, better access
  Riders will be able to access any location in the metro area, either through Transit Link or a combination of Transit Link and regular transit routes. Today, many dial-a-ride services only provide trips within the boundaries of the service area, which limits where passengers can travel.
  "The goal of the restructuring is to assure anyone in the region has access to transit services, whether via Transit Link or regular-route transit,” Bell said. “We needed to provide greater consistency to assure rides are available to the general public.”
  The Council will continue working with communities to assure a smooth transition to the new Transit Link service. Events will be planned to help existing riders and new riders understand the new service and to gain a comfort level both with Transit Link and with regular transit service.

Transit Link presentation (pdf)
Transit Link handout (pdf)
Commonly Asked Questions about Transit Link (pdf)
More on dial-a-ride restructuring

Metropolitan Council approves contract for Hennepin County Transit Link service

Safety Shields

I have heard that Metro Transit was testing safety shields on a few Gillig BRT. I had not seen them until the other day when I got a bus switch from Heywood. This one is on bus # 1152 . I really like them. They are not so intrusive that I am hitting them when I get in and out of the seat. At the same time, they offer protection from someone hitting you in the back of the head and they give you a chance to protect yourself from a sucker punch. It is not a perfect solution but it does help. I don't believe we need full safety shield like this.
I understand the Metro Transit mechanic made this. There are no safety shield for the Gillig BRT on the market. What do you think? Leave a comment.

SouthWest Transit Demo of VanHool TD925 Double Deck

Front Right side view

Rear Right Side View

Drivers Compartment

Lower level

Upper Level Facing Front

Upper Level Facing to Rear

Rear Stairwell

SouthWest Transit Demo of VanHool TD925 Double Deck Intercity Coach at SouthWest Station in Eden Prairie, Mn. Doing Routes 698A and 690U

Northstar Commuter Rail Schedule Change

NORTHSTAR TRAIN SCHEDULE ADJUSTED SLIGHTLY
SPECIAL TRAIN ADDED FOR AFTER VIKINGS-BEARS GAME

MINNEAPOLIS – (Nov. 24) – Metro Transit today announced minor changes to the weekday schedule of Northstar commuter rail trains and said it would add a special-event train to take Vikings fans home after Sunday’s game against the Bears.
Beginning Monday (Nov. 30), trains leaving downtown Minneapolis on weekdays will depart five minutes later than originally scheduled, the agency said. New departure times are 3:55 p.m., 4:25 p.m., 4:55 p.m., 5:25 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. The morning reverse commute trip also will leave five minutes later at 6:10 a.m.
“Customers told us that it was too much of a rush to leave their jobs and make it comfortably to departing trains in the 20 minutes we budgeted to travel from the core of downtown to Target Field Station,” said Adam Harrington, assistant director of route and system planning. “The extra five minutes will give customers a reliable connection to their homebound trains.”
Based on its early experience, Metro Transit also is changing some travel times between stations for all weekday trips leaving downtown. Travel time from Target Field Station to Fridley Station will be reduced by two minutes while travel time between Elk River Station and Big Lake Station will be increased by two minutes, keeping the end-to-end running time at 51 minutes.
VIKINGS SPECIAL
Because the kickoff time for Sunday’s Vikings-Bears game has been changed to 3:15 p.m., Metro Transit will add a special Northstar train to take fans home after the game.
The train will leave Target Field Station at 7:20 p.m. Normal weekend fares apply.
Northstar service to the Vikings-Bears game will be accommodated by the regular Sunday train schedule with an arrival at Target Field Station scheduled at 1:45 p.m. An earlier Sunday train arrives at Target Field Station at 11:20 a.m.
Northstar customers traveling between Target Field Station and the Metrodome can use the Hiawatha light-rail line.
For information on fares, schedules and transfers, customers can visit metrotransit.org or talk with a transit professional at 612-373-3333.

MPR interview with Peter Bell

Another step forward in Twin Cities transit
Broadcast: Midday, 11/16/2009, 11:00 a.m.

Southwest is Testing Double Decker Bus Again

It's Back!
11/20/2009 1:56 PM
Beginning Friday, November 20 and continuing through next Wednesday, November 25, SouthWest Transit is testing a double decker bus built by Van Hool NV, on some of its regular routes. The double decker bus will be used on two or three morning routes and one afternoon route each day between Friday and Wednesday.
One year ago SouthWest Transit tested a double decker bus from a different manufacturer and used a similar bus as part of its fleet to take people to and from the Minnesota State Fair.

Maple Grove Transit Contract Extension

The City of Maple Grove will renew a agreement with Metro Transit to operate Maple Grove Transit. The Maple Grove service agreement covers three years for an estimated gross revenue per year of $2,758,000 for 2010, $2,813,000 for 2011 and $2,869,000 for 2012 for a total estimated gross revenue of $8,440,000.

The city of Maple Grove has contracted service with Metro Transit since January 1990. This three-year agreement with the City of Maple Grove is for the service period of January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2012. The agreement is to operate service on routes 780, 781, 782, 783, 784 and 789. The agreement includes contracted rates for 40-foot, articulated and coach buses. This will go to the Metropolitan Council Transportation Committee on Monday, November 23, 2009.

Holiday Service

Reduced service on the day after Thanksgiving
Due to decreased demand, most Metro Transit routes will follow SATURDAY schedules on the day after Thanksgiving (Friday, Nov. 27). Saturday fares will be charged – there will be no rush-hour charges (except for some suburban providers). Weekday fares will be charged on Northstar trains.
The Metropolitan Transit Information Center will be open regular hours (6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.) on Nov. 27. The Minneapolis and St. Paul transit stores will be open from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. Customer Relations and Lost & Found will be open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
All routes will follow SATURDAY schedules unless listed below. Some routes will operate trips in addition the normal Saturday schedule. If your route does not have a schedule for Saturday service and is not listed here, it will not operate on Nov. 27.
Note: Metro Transit buses and light-rail trains will follow Sunday/Holiday schedules on Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, Nov. 26). There is no Northstar service on Thanksgiving. Metro Transit stores, Customer Relations, Lost & Found and the Metropolitan Transit Information Center will be closed.
Jump down to:
Minnesota Valley Transit Authority
Maple Grove Transit
Plymouth Metrolink

No wi-fi on Northstar Commuter rail line?

Should Northstar Commuter Rail have Wi-Fi? Have your voice heard on my poll

MVTA Newsletter

Minnesota Valley Transit Authority News That Travels

New Look

Southwest Transit has a new look on their website.

Northstar Commuter Rail Celebration

I was not able to attend any of the celebration. Found this on You Tube

WCCO report on celebration

Star Tribune Roadguy Northstar's free-ride extravaganza

Star Tribune report: Northstar Line: Will we make the switch?

Transit improvement projects

Transit improvement projects = more choices for you

The reconstruction of Marquette and 2nd avenues in downtown Minneapolis is one of several transit improvement projects funded through the Urban Partnership Agreement (UPA), a federal-state partnership that aims to reduce traffic congestion by providing commuters more choices.

Here are more UPA projects to watch for:

• I-35W & County Road C Park & Ride – Roseville
  Metro Transit in December will open a 460-space, four-level parking ramp just east of I-35W at County Road C and Cleveland Avenue North.
  Park for free in this ramp for direct service to downtown Minneapolis on new Route 264, which begins on Dec. 14. The new route will offer seven morning trips to downtown and eight return trips.
• 95th Avenue Park & Ride – Blaine
  In mid-November, look for the opening of a new 550-space ramp at the 95th Avenue Park & Ride in Blaine. This ramp offers frequent express service to downtown Minneapolis, with buses leaving every 7 to 10 minutes during rush hour. Also, direct service to U of M is available from this site.
• New technology means faster trips
  Starting in mid-December, specially equipped buses will communicate with an approaching traffic signal and ask it to hold the green light for the bus, keeping your bus moving. Transit signal priority systems have been installed at 27 intersections on Central Avenue in Columbia Heights and Minneapolis for Routes 10, 118 and 829.
• Freeway information signs
  Also in mid-December, real-time electronic commuter information signs are planned at select locations along the I-35W corridor to alert motorists about the estimated travel time to downtown for trips by auto and bus, and how many parking spots are still available at nearby Park & Ride lots.

New Paking Rmp At 95th Ave Park-N-Ride

NEW BLAINE PARK-AND-RIDE RAMP PROVIDES NORTH METRO COMMUTERS MORE OPTIONS

BLAINE – (Nov. 9) – A three-level ramp at the park-and-ride lot at I-35W and 95th Avenue in Blaine opened today, giving commuters in the north metro more spaces to park their cars for free and take a bus.
The $6.5 million project was funded by the Urban Partnership Agreement, a federal/state project aimed at reducing traffic congestion.
With the addition of the ramp, there are now 1,500 parking spaces at the facility. The ramp was built to expand capacity at the surface lot.
Amenities to make taking transit more convenient will be added soon, said Metro Transit General Manager Brian Lamb.
“In the weeks ahead, we’ll be installing NexTrip signs that will give real-time updates on bus departures,” he said. “In addition, freeway information signs located nearby will show the number of available parking spots at the park-and-ride and the estimated travel time to downtown Minneapolis for trips by auto and bus.”
Three bus routes serve the park-and-ride. Customers can ride Route 250 nonstop to downtown Minneapolis, Route 252 for nonstop service to the University of Minnesota and Route 262 to downtown St. Paul.
Knutson Construction Service, Inc., was contractor for the ramp project.
Metro Transit is a service of the Metropolitan Council. In 2008, customers boarded its buses and trains nearly 82 million times, the highest annual ridership in 27 years.

Northstar in the News

• Despite distance, St. Cloud rail boosters hopeful about Northstar
• Final price tag of the Northstar line too big for some
• Developers in cities along the Northstar line seek ways to capitalize

Northstar Commuter Rail Grand Opening Celebrations

Grand opening celebrations are being planned at stations along the Northstar Line on Saturday, Nov. 14. There will be food, entertainment and speakers are planned at each stations. A limited number of free round trip train rides will be available. More than 1,700 free rides for Nov. 14 were awarded through a online lottery earlier this month.

No train ride will be provided at Target Field on Nov. 14, but tours will be available.

• Big Lake:
  9 am - 12:30 p.m.
  Speakers: 9:45 a.m.
  Free Rides (Train leaves at 11:35 a.m.)
• Elk River Station:
  10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
  Speakers: 11:30 a.m.
  Free Rides (Train leaves at 1:05 p.m.)
• Anoka Station
  11:30 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.
  Speakers: 12:30 p.m.
  Free Rides (Train leaves at 2:15p.m.)
• Coon Rapids-Riverdale Station
  1-4 p.m.
  Speakers: 2 p.m.
  Frees Rides (Train leaves at 3:35 p.m.)
• Fridley Station
  8:30 - 11:30 a.m.
  Speakers: 9:30 a.m.
  Free Rides (Train leaves at 11 a.m.)
• Target Field Station
  10:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  Speakers 10:30 a.m.
  Northstar train tours 11: a.m. - 5 p.m.
  

Northstar Commuter Rail Pre-Revenue Service

Northstar Commuter Rail Pre-Revenue Operation. Coon Rapids-Riverdale Station, Anoka Station, Elk River Station.

Metro Transit 2006 New Flyer D60HF Bus # 3200 and 2008 Gillig BRT Low Floor Bus # 1179 doing the Route 851 at Riverdale Park and Ride, future home of Northstar Commuter Rail Coon Rapids-Riverdale Station. This route is slated to be eliminated when Northstar Commuter Rail start on Nov 16,2009

Safety Campaign

Metro Transit Kicks Off New Safety Campaign

Metro Transit kicked off a new safety campaign this weekend, after drivers hit two pedestrians in the past ten days. One of those accidents turned deadly.
Over the last 20 years eight pedestrians were hit and killed by Metro Transit buses, resulting in eight fatalities. Two of those deaths happened just this year.
The first happened in February when 55-year-old Mary Ann O'Dougherty of Minneapolis died after she was hit at 46th St. and Minnehaha Parkway. The bus driver did not even realize he'd hit someone.
The second death was earlier this month. A bus hit 43-year-old Becca Cruzen at 46th St. and Hiawatha Ave. as she was walking toward the light rail station.
Gregory Mudgett was seriously hurt Friday after he was hit while carrying his groceries across St. Claire Ave and West 7th St. in St. Paul.
Metro Transit says its new five week campaign includes text message safety reminders sent to drivers as they log in on their buses, safety memos being distributed. Starting monday, they will also have face-to-face meetings with managers to review procedures.

Northstar Commuter Rail Ride between Big Lake And Target Field

Northstar Commuter Rail ride between Big Lake And Target Field. Metro Transit held a open house for Metro Transit employees on Oct. 24,2009 for Northstar Commuter Rail.

Northstar Open House for Metro Transit Employees

Metro Transit held a sneak peek of Northstar Commuter Rail for Metro Transit employees and their families on Saturday Oct. 24,2009.

We rode the Hiawatha LRT to Target Field

Northstar Commuter Rail arriving at the Target Field Station downtown Minneapolis

We rode the Northstar train to Big Lake Station. We than toured the vehicle maintenance facility in Big Lake.

Cab Car Controls

Bike rack

Restroom

Little Miss Jocelyn - Bus driver

Transit in the News

• The light-rail "honors system" working to keep dishonest people away
• Another complaint filed on light-rail's impact
• Southwest light-rail route: The wise transit choice may not be the popular one -- yet
• Russian Bus Nearly Flattens Man

Family Grieves for Mpls. Woman Hit By Bus

Northstar Commuter Rail Pre-Revenue Service

Northstar Commuter Rail started running pre-revenue operation today on Oct. 19 between Big Lake and Downtown Minneapolis. Pre-revenue operation gives Metro Transit to test the service reliability and safely . Metro Transit will make adjustments if needed. Northstar trains will have track priority for the first time starting today. They will test their ability to run a 51-minute running time between Big Lake and Minneapolis.


Hiawatha LRT started running Pre-revenue operation on Sat., Oct. 17 to Target Field and out to the tail track. Pre-revenue operation gives Metro Transit to test the service reliability and safely . Metro Transit will make adjustments if needed. The LRT operator will no longer stay on the same train for their shift. They will now turn over their train to another operator at Target Field, take a break and then replace another operator. This allows Metro Transit to get more productivity from the equipment, while giving the operator a much need break.

Saturday night, a pedestrian was injured by an LRT train that was testing service to the new Twins stadium.

Transit in the News

Woman hit by Metro Transit bus dies

Man injured by LRT train in Minneapolis

Transit in the News

Metro Bus Hits Woman in Minneapolis

Baby OK after train hits stroller in Australia
A stroller with a baby rolls off a train platform in Australia, falling onto the tracks as a train approaches. But the baby survives. (Oct. 16)

Route 288 bus service from FL to Minneapolis gets extended life with new 5-year contract


Light Rail Project Frustrates St. Paul Businesses

Ice scraper threat puts bus driver in hot seat

Metropolitan Council - Transportation Committee

The Transportation Committee is back on streaming on the web.

Meeting of the Transportation Committee
Monday, October 12, 2009

BUSINESS:

• 2009-361 Authorization to Purchase Small Replacement Buses
• 2009-362 Transit Link Fare Recommendation
• 2009-363 Authorization to Exercise Contract Options with Motor Coach Industries
• 2009-358 Hiawatha Light Rail Transit Tail Track Ground Lease with Hennepin County
• 2009-355 Lease Agreement for Central Corridor Light Rail Transit Construction Field Office in Downtown St. Paul
• 2009-356 Approve Preliminary Design of Public Artwork for Each Central Corridor Light Rail Transit Station
• 2009-357 ABC Ramps Flexible Parking Pricing Demonstration Program
• 2009-360 Authorization to Award Contract for Bus Surveillance System Maintenance

INFORMATION:

• Northstar Commuter Rail Grand Opening and Marketing Update
• Update on Xcel Energy Projects for Metro Transit
  

H1N1 Precautions

H1N1 Precautions on Public Transportation

Metro Transit is Hiring

Metro Transit is hiring Part-Time Bus Operator.

The New and Improved Metro Transit

Metro Transit has new bus wraps advertising "The New Improved Metro Transit"

2008 Gillig Low Floor
Metro Transit Bus # 1179

at

42nd Ave and York on the Route 19

Front Left View

Rear Left View

Front Right View

Rear Right View

Bus Roadeo

Traffic cones took a beating today

Thank you to my wife for recording this while I drove.

UPDATE: I got my results today. I ranked 13 out of 102. With total of 546 out of 700 points

Poll Results

September Poll results:

Should transit agencies impose a 'Odor Ordinance' like Honolulu?

Yes - 10 (66%)

No - 5 (33%)

Kenrick Avenue Park & Ride in Lakeville

Route 467 started new service at Kenrick Avenue Park & Ride in Lakeville, MN on Sept, 28,2009. Metro Transit are using 2009 MCI.

Express Buses on 35W Popular

Officials say new lanes, express buses on 35W popular
by Dan Olson, Minnesota Public Radio
September 28, 2009

St. Paul, Minn. — State officials say the new toll, or congestion pricing lane, available on 35W starting this week is popular.
Minnesota Department of Transportation commissioner Tom Sorel said people are enrolling for the chance to drive in the MnPass lane of southbound 35W from southern suburbs to downtown Minneapolis. Commuters pay anywhere from 25 cents to $8 a trip depending on traffic volume.
Drivers will be able to travel at 50 mph even at rush hours. MnPass customers will share the lane with car poolers and buses. Sorel said the growth of 35W MnPass customers reflects the popularity of the service where it was begun 4 years ago on I-394.
"As of today, we think we have about 1,400 new accounts to MnPass because of 35W and we're well over 14,000 accounts for the MnPass system," Sorel said. "So it's a great foundation on which to build upon."
The MnPass service is part of a large makeover of 35W which includes new express bus service and additional suburban park and ride capacity.
The express bus service from Lakeville to downtown Minneapolis started Monday morning with dozens of first-time passengers.
The new park and ride facility at Kenrick Avenue in Lakeville is still under construction. Even so, new Metro Transit coach buses started ferrying commuters from the facility.
Metropolitan Council chairman Peter Bell said the Lakeville service has buses joining car poolers in a faster lane on 35W.
"This 750-space facility is served by Metro Transit's new route 467, which began service this morning, and this morning we had 144 new customers to that service," Bell said.
A federal grant matched by state money totaling $188 million is paying part of the cost of the 35W makeover. Commuters can expect to see more results next year when the rebuilding of the Crosstown interchange is complete at a cost of $288 million.

'Odor Ordinance'

Transit 'Odor Ordinance' Proposed


The Honolulu City Council is trying to craft a code of conduct for people who use public transportation including The Bus and Oahu's planned railway. Among the proposals being considered is a provision that would prohibit people who smell bad or whose clothes smell bad. Councilman Rod Tam co-authored the bill with councilman Nestor Garcia. Tam told KGMB9 it is a matter of public health. "Many times when a person has a particular odor you may think that person is sick ... have bacteria, diseases. Especially now a days people are afraid of the flu," Tam said. "We have a responsibility in government to take care of clean and safe public services and facilities." Some of the bus riders KGMB9 talked to agree ... people should be kicked off public transportation if they reek. But others say it would be unfair ... especially to the poor and homeless. They suggest just moving away from someone if their odor is offensive. Tam's transit conduct bill would also prohibit people from spitting in transit vehicles or at transit stations. It would outlaw loud music and unruly raucous behavior. The council will accept testimony on the "odor ordinance" during a hearing at Honolulu Hale at 9 a.m. Thursday.

UPDATE:
City Council scrubs body-odor proposal

Light-rail train hits car

Light-rail train hits car near Star Tribune building

A light-rail train hit a car in downtown Minneapolis Sunday morning. The car's passengers were not injured.
By Chao Xiong, Star Tribune
Last update: September 20, 2009 - 12:26 PM

A light-rail train hit a car in downtown Minneapolis Sunday morning, but the car's driver and passenger were not injured.
The car's driver, Nate Becker of Sioux Falls, said he was coming down Fifth Street on the right side of the tracks and tried to make a left turn into the Armory . He did not realize there were train tracks and said he was unfamilair with the area.
Becker and a friend in the car were not injured. One train passenger was taken away to be checked for injuries.
The train hit the left, rear side of the car and the car was towed away.
Train passenger Neal George and his wife, Shirlayne, from Utah, said they did not feel like they had hit anything. "It just felt like he stopped fast."

Metro Transit 2009 MCI Bus #206

Metro Transit 2009 MCI Bus #206 doing the Route 860 at Northtown Mall

Central Corridor LRT: The Time Is Now

Video on the Central Corridor by Metropolitan Council

Testing of Hiawatha LRT

Northstar Commuter Train At Downtown Station