Ridership on Metro Transit’s State Fair Express Buses increased significantly this year, largely due to the opening of a fourth Express Bus Park & Ride location in Blaine.
In all, Metro Transit provided an estimated 241,000 rides to and from the fairgrounds on State Fair Express Buses, a 33% increase from 2022. State Fair Express Bus service operated as scheduled throughout the fair and parking was always available at Metro Transit’s Park & Rides.
“Transit is always a great way to get to big events and there aren’t many events that are bigger than the Minnesota State Fair,” General Manager Lesley Kandaras said. “We are thrilled we could expand our State Fair Express Bus service this year, allowing more people to make Metro Transit a part of their fair experience.”
Throughout the fair, State Fair Express Buses operated between the fairgrounds and Metro Transit Park & Rides in Bloomington, Minnetonka, Cottage Grove, and Blaine. Blaine’s 95th Avenue Park & Ride was served for the first time since 2019. Fairgoers also filled buses on the A Line and Route 3, which stop near the fairgrounds.
Serving the State Fair is a significant undertaking for Metro Transit, with operators and staff taking on additional shifts while maintaining regularly scheduled service throughout the region. More than 100 buses were used each day to provide State Fair Express Bus service.
Planning for the 2024 Minnesota State Fair is already underway.
Fans traveling to fall sporting events – including the Vikings home opener on Sunday, Sept. 10 – are encouraged to use transit. For help planning a trip, visit metrotransit.org, text 612-444-1161, or call 612-373-3333.
Download photos from the 2023 Minnesota State Fair