Metro Transit announces the launch of Metro micro service in Woodbury, part of a strategic expansion to enhance transit accessibility in the East Metro region. Beginning in January 2025, residents, workers, and visitors in portions of Woodbury, Oakdale, and Lake Elmo will have access to on-demand shared rides that connect to key destinations and transit corridors, including the METRO Gold Line and popular routes like 219, 323, and 355.
“We are thrilled to bring Metro micro to the Woodbury area,” said Lesley Kandaras, Metro Transit general manager said. “Metro micro is all about accessibility, affordability, and convenience, and we look forward to seeing how it will improve the daily commute for so many people in the East Metro.”
Metro micro, which started in North Minneapolis in 2022, provides convenient, flexible transportation options in areas with limited access to fixed-route transit. This new expansion aims to bridge gaps in transit coverage, helping riders access local shopping centers, schools, healthcare facilities, and businesses. In Woodbury, notable destinations like Woodwinds Hospital, Woodbury and East Ridge High School, and the Woodbury YMCA will be directly connected to the service.
Metro micro service is designed to make travel more efficient with shared rides that may include pickups and drop-offs of other passengers along the way. Operating seven days a week, the service will run from 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on weekends, offering another layer of flexibility for riders.
Metro micro’s expansion to Woodbury is part of Metro Transit’s broader effort called Network Now, a vision for transit service that best meets the needs of our region through 2027.
“Metro micro is about more than just getting from one place to another,” Adam Harrington, director of Service Development said. “It’s about connecting communities, improving access to important services, and providing equitable transportation solutions where they are most needed.”
The expansion will also connect riders in the Woodbury area to existing Metro Transit corridors such as the METRO Gold Line, which is set to open in March 2025, offering greater access to high-frequency bus lines and connecting passengers to major destinations across the region.
“Metro micro is an excellent transit option for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a vehicle,” Woodbury Mayor Anne Burt said. “It allows our seniors or even pre-driving teens to get where they need to be within the service area. We hope Metro micro is a success in our region.”
Metro Transit is committed to ensuring that these expanded services meet the needs of diverse communities, including those in underserved areas where access to traditional public transportation has been limited. Metro micro’s flexible, on-demand nature is designed to serve these residents and create new opportunities for both transit users and local businesses.
Residents and businesses in the service area are encouraged to learn more about Metro micro through community outreach events, social media campaigns, and digital ads. These efforts will provide further details on how to use the service, how to plan trips, and how to integrate it into their daily routines.
For more information, visit: www.metrotransit.org/micro