Travel Responsibly
We’re following state and public health guidance on reducing the spread of COVID-19. While the state is making progress on vaccinations, effective Monday, April 5, capacity on transit will be limited to 20 passengers per 40-foot bus, 30 passengers per 60-foot bus, 33 passengers per light rail car, and 70 people per Northstar train car.
Effective Feb. 1 by federal law, masks are still required while waiting for and while riding transit. Please follow these other common-sense measures: Keep a safe distance from other customers and drivers, wash your hands frequently or use hand sanitizer, and please stay home if you are ill. Get vaccinated as soon as you can.
Here are answers to your frequently asked questions
We know you have questions about what we're doing to keep you safe, and we've got answers. For details, check these Frequently Asked Questions.
Here’s what to expect when you’re onboard
COVER IT UP
By federal law, masks are required for all customers while waiting for or on public transit. Children under age 2, or anyone with a disability who cannot safely wear a mask for reasons related to the disability are exempt.
Those who fail to comply may be subject to police enforcement.
SPACE IT OUT
To maintain social distancing, no more than 20 passengers may be allowed on a 40-foot bus, no more than 30 passengers may be allowed on a 60-foot bus (drivers may exercise discretion), and no more than 30 passengers per light rail train car, 70 passengers per Northstar train car. This remains in effect until a greater number of the public and transit employees are vaccinated.
When a bus reaches capacity, drivers will display “Next Bus Please” and inform those who cannot board when the next bus may arrive.
IN THE FRONT, OUT THE BACK
Those who are able should leave buses through the back door to increase social distancing. It also eliminates crowding at the front of the bus.
KEEP IT CLEAN
Buses and trains are sanitized daily – every surface, every time. We use CDC-approved disinfectants with each cleaning.
We're also upgrading the air filters to improve circulation on light rail vehicles.
MAKE IT TOUCH-FREE
Metro Transit encourages customers to avoid touching the farebox or card reader by paying with a touch-free Go-To Card or the Metro Transit app. Coins, tokens, dollar bills and passes are still accepted.
IT’S EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY
It’s important for Metro Transit employees and customers to work together to limit the spread of COVID-19. We’re In This Together!
Do your part
If you have another travel option, please use it to make more space available for those who rely on transit. Other things you can do:
-
Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands frequently or use hand sanitizer. Cough or sneeze into a tissue or a sleeve (and don’t leave anything behind, please).
-
Stay home if you are sick. If you are showing symptoms or suspect you might have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, don’t ride until you have consulted with a medical professional. COVID-19 testing is readily available and, in many cases, free.
For the latest information on Minnesota's response to COVID-19, visit mn.gov/covid19.
Other things we’re doing
-
Safeguarding and supporting staff. As we ask customers to avoid transit when they are ill, we also ask all our employees to be vigilant about their health and the health of those around them. That means providing free COVID-19 testing, taking temperatures when employees report to work and making paid leave available to those who need it.
-
Listening. If you have ideas about how we can do better, please tell us – we’re listening.
Stay informed by: