Overnight Light-Rail Service on the Chopping Block Between the Twin Cities

Since 2014, it's been possible to catch a train every hour between 2 am and 4 am on the Green Line connecting Minneapolis and St. Paul. A proposal under consideration at Metro Transit would end late night service,

1 minute read

April 18, 2019, 10:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Metro Transit Green Line

Joe Ferrer / Shutterstock

Frederick Melo reports on the political maneuvering as Metro Transit considers cutting overnight transit service on the light rail corridor connecting the downtowns of the two Twin Cities.

On April 4, Melo reported the details of the proposal that would axe service on the Green Line between 2 am and 4 am.

"The 24-hour rail line, which debuted in the summer of 2014, carries some 42,500 passengers per day, making it the most heavily used of any of Metro Transit’s service routes," according to Melo.

"[Metro Transit General Manager Wes] Kooistra said operations maintenance staff have repeatedly requested nightly downtime on the Green Line for regular and unscheduled rail maintenance, mostly because it is safer to do so when the tracks are less active."

Melo also reported on the proposal shortly after a meeting of Metropolitan Council's Equity Advisory Committee, where advocates expressed concern about the plan, as well as doubts that the proposal isn't designed to crackdown on the number of homeless riding the trains.

A full report to the Metropolitan Council is expected in May.

Thursday, April 4, 2019 in Pioneer Press

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Small rural USPS post office in manufactured one-story grey building with American flag in front.

Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes

Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.

February 12, 2025 - Cowboy State Daily

Chicago

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

April 8 - 2TheAdvocate.com

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog

Military humvee driving through gate at Fort Indiantown Gap Natl Guard training center in Pennsylvania surrounded by winter trees and dead leaves.

Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species

The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.

February 24 - Esri Blog