Minneapolis Light Rail (Metro Transit): Tips for a Happy and Safe Train Ride
Ahoy, train mates! The Minneapolis Light Rail (Metro Transit) is now open to serve the public. Its Hiawatha Line transports passengers to 17 stations in Minneapolis plus the Mall of America. Many bus companies in the state also follow the schedule of the Minneapolis Light Rail for the convenience of its passengers. As such, you can be sure that you’ll be on time to be on work, school, or any of the sporting events in downtown Minneapolis.
A Guide to Paying for Minneapolis Light Rail (Metro Transit) Passage
Expect superb quality of service for affordable rates at the Hiawatha Line. Here’s how much you should expect to pay.
ABSENCE OF FARE BOXES – You need to prepay beforehand if you wish to take the train to your office or school. Hence, you need a valid ticket before boarding. Don’t even think of slipping on without paying your fare, because the Metro Police and inspectors are lurking – err. You will find them standing on the platform or on the train asking for proof of fare payment.
RUSH HOUR STILL MATTERS – Just like the bus, you will pay a little extra to ride doing rush hour. Expect to pay $1.75 during non-rush hours. During rush hours 6:00 to 9:00 in the morning and 3:00 to 6:30 during the evenings Monday thru Friday, be prepared to pay $2:25.
THE USUAL EXCEPTIONS STILL APPLY – If you’re a student, Medicare cardholder, or disabled, you are automatically eligible for fare reduction. Age also matters: kids aged 5 to 13 and the elderly who are over 65 are qualified for fare reduction. These exceptions to the rule do not apply during rush hour.
WHERE TO BUY – You can purchase all the types of passes offered by the Minneapolis Light Rail from ticket vending machines strategically located at various rail stations statewide. Forgot to bring cash? The vending machines accept credit cards as well as cash. Certain passes are also available in select stores and sold online.
HOW TO BUY FROM A TICKET VENDING MACHINE – If it’s your first time buying from a ticket vending machine, don’t panic, because the instructions are on the screen and are easy to follow. First, just push the appropriate buttons then pay according to your preference. Be warned, the machine can only dispense $10 in change.
TYPES OF RAIL PASSES – Rail Tickets – The standard ticket can be used for 2 ½ hours from the time of the initial purchase. The ticket may also be used for local bus service also.
6-Hour Passes – Do you have time to take in sporting event? Maybe you just want to have dinner and a movie at Block E in downtown. If so, the best solution for you is a 6-hour pass, which costs only $3.50
Day Passes – Have you ever been to an amusement park where you pay a onetime fee and you ride all day long? Guess what? You can buy something like that as well for the Minneapolis Light Rail (Metro Transit). With a day pass, you can explore Minneapolis to your heart’s content. Just think of the train as your personal limousine! Day passes are only $6.
Safety Tips
A fitting end to this article would be to share with you even a few important safety reminders regarding train rides:
Don’t try to beat the trains at crossing; always wait behind the yellow lane, and lastly, always keep an eye on your kids. It’s all common sense stuff, but sometimes, stress makes us forget ourselves.
Have fun on the ride!
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