What Metro Transit switching to two-car trains means for Twin Cities
In an effort to increase efficiency, Metro Transit will cut down its light rail trains to two cars beginning this month.
In a presentation released ahead of the Metropolitan Council’s transportation committee’s Monday meeting, COO Brian Funk laid out a plan to make the transition from three-car to two-car trains.
Metro Transit currently runs three-car trains during all hours of service, resulting in “unnecessary mileage” and more repair needs, according to the presentation.
While ridership on both the Green and Blue lines is either up or steady from last year, numbers remain below 2019 levels.
Starting on April 13, Metro Transit will begin using two-car trains for weekends, though three-car trains will be used during Twins and Minnesota United games, and whenever additional capacity is required.
And on June 15, two-car trains will be used every day excluding sporting events, Pride, the Aquatennial, concerts and other events.
The report also says that in August, Metro Transit is considering increasing light rail service from every 15 minutes to every 12 minutes during most service hours.
