In September 2025, Move Minneapolis hosted “Riding Downtown on Transit”, part of the regional month-long Car-Free MSP initiative taking place all through September. Car-Free MSP asks individuals to pledge to replace one drive-alone car trip with a sustainable option, such as transit.
During the webinar, Move Minneapolis staff presented on and discussed how to use transit, safety issues, and what’s next for the Minneapolis transit landscape, particularly in downtown.
How to Use Transit
Executive Director Tiffany Orth gave the lay of the land regarding transit including info on the two light rail lines that serve downtown, several Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lines that serve downtown, and many Metro Transit regular route buses & express buses from throughout the metro. She noted the suburban providers that offer express services from suburban areas into downtown.
Tiffany explained a few things to keep in mind while using transit, and touched on tools to make using transit easier, such as Move Minneapolis Customized Consultations: no-cost 15-minute sessions with Move Minneapolis staff to get personalized trip planning assistance.
Based on audience polling, first and last mile connections to transit were the biggest challenge to using transit, so the Move team focused on solutions during their discussion: combining biking and transit, utilizing park and ride lots, and using trip planning tools like Google maps and the Transit app to plan connections.
Safety
Outreach Manager Catherine Windyk discussed safety, with an acknowledgement that safety can mean different things to different people with today’s session focused more on “public safety”. She touched on Metro Transit’s Safety and Security Action Plan, their official layers of presence, and some of her own tips to stay safe while using transit. She also noted that it’s important to reflect on the difference between feeling unsafe and feeling uncomfortable.
Audience poll results showed that people were equally concerned with safety while waiting for transit, while riding on transit, and not knowing what to do if a safety concern arose. The team discussed different strategies including riding with friends, identifying official staff who could help, and moving away from an uncomfortable or unsafe situation. Additionally, Metro Transit’s “Text for Safety” feature was highlighted – text 612-900-0411 to report suspicious or inappropriate behavior, call 9-1-1 for emergencies and active crimes.
What’s Next
Senior Outreach Manager John Barobs noted that there are many new innovations taking place in Twin Cities transit right now, but focused on three program expansions that the Move team is very excited about.
John explained that on December 6th, 2025 the new METRO E Line will largely replace route #6, which will be a huge improvement for commuters to downtown from the U of M area, Edina/Southwest Minneapolis, and Uptown.
John also highlighted micro-transit expansion in the region, with Metro Transit’s micro recent launch in Bloomington and mid-September launch in Blaine. He also discussed how the Green Line Extension, going from Target Field 14.5 miles to Eden Prairie, will connect the West Metro with a fast rail line into downtown.
Audience polling revealed micro transit as the topic of most interest, so further information was provided about this innovative service that is very helpful with first mile/last mile connections to transit.
A few questions received further attention after the webinar, you may view those questions and answers here.
As the system continues to grow and improve, Move Minneapolis is here to help people get the most out of transit for their commutes to downtown. Join us on September 17th for Commute with Transit to Car-Free MSP! This in-person event will feature fun ways to learn more about transit to downtown Minneapolis.
