In 2004, The greater-Minneapolis area in Minnesota received an addition that would change the way city inhabitants travel to and from work. The light rail was introduced to boost Metro Transit travel and allow for an easier way to the Bloomington Mall of America from the Cities. The line, which is also operated by the company that owns all Twin Cities’ Buses, connects downtown Minneapolis to the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and the infamous Mall of America.

This metro train runs twenty hours a day running every 7-15 minutes during the daylight, and about 15-30 minutes apart during evening hours. This line has become the city’s marvel and a great success for Metro Transit. About 65% more riders are using this easy to ride option through the city on a regular basis. The light rail’s route is quite simple. It starts in the Warehouse District of metro Minneapolis and moves just west to Downtown Minneapolis. It runs through downtown following Hiawatha Avenue through to Midtown at Hiawatha Park and to Fort Snelling. After that riders hit the International Airport and the last stop is at the Mall of America. IT is about 17 stops total, making a trip from downtown Minneapolis to the MOA about a 45 minute drive. It seems like a long time but the scenery and lack of rush hour traffic makes this a gold mine to travelers and mall goers alike.

There are three station locations that have park-and-ride lots which are free of cost. These are 28th Avenue, Bloomington, Fort Snelling, and Lake Street/Motown. These are extremely beneficial because parking downtown Minneapolis or at main stream attraction such as the Metrodome or the Target Center can get quite pricey. This is the mean reason riders love this new travel option.

The next phase of this Twin Citie’s Light Rail environment is the addition of a second line which will connect Downtown Minneapolis to the Twin Cities University which stretches along both Minneapolis and downtown St. Paul. The design is quite complex and the planning process is still underway. The project is expected to be complete some time around 2014, making traveling the Twin Citie’s Metro area a simple, organized manner.

To board a train you must buy a ticket beforehand at the stations where automated machines are placed around the all transit stations. Riders choose either a 6-hour pass or a 24-unlimited ride pass. A single fare costs the same amount as regular bus fare. Ticket inspectors partake in random passenger searches so make sure that when you hear the train horns, you have your ticket purchased and you are ready to hop on. More and more Minneapolis and Twin Cities citizens use the light rail which can sometimes make getting a place to sit a hard feat. Come early and secure a spot cause this light rail sometimes leaves in 30 seconds flat.