December 20th, 2022

In this edition

• 2022 Transportation Summit Recap
• Metro D Line Launched Dec. 3
• D.I.D. Skyway Ambassadors
• MInneapolis Trail Conditions App
• Drive Less With Flexpass

2022 Transportation Summit Recap

The 2022 Transportation Summit on November 30^th included both morning and evening events and featured a national speaker, local leader panel session, film screening, and director discussion, all centered around the topic of mobility justice.

The 2022 Transportation Summit was presented by the following organizations:

METRO D Line Is Open For Riders

Celebrations and a ribbon-cutting took place at the Mall of America transit station on December 3rd as the area's fifth Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line opened with cheers. The new, fast, and frequent bus service connects Brooklyn Center with Bloomington via downtown Minneapolis.

On time and within budget, the $75 million Metro D Line largely replaces the slow old Route #5 that had twice as many stops. The new BRT line features heated stations, real-time schedule information, and security cameras on platforms. Fares are payed before boarding and buses are given signal priority at intersections, making trips up to 25% faster.

The 18-mile Metro D Line serves major employers along the route including: Hennepin Healthcare, Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Children's Hospitals, downtown Minneapolis, and the Mall of of America in Bloomington.

D.I.D. Ambassadors Up In The Skyway

ESSIE SIMPSON, AMBASSADOR WITH DOWNTOWN IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT. PHOTO: TRACY NORDSTROM

As cold weather has driven more traffic into downtown Minneapolis’ skyways, the Downtown Improvement District (DID) ambassadors have followed. Since early November, the friendly and familiar ambassadors dressed in neon shirts and blue jackets have added the skyway system to their daily routes from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Ambassadors assist pedestrians, provide resources for those in need, help keep the city clean, and improve public safety throughout downtown. As part of DID's community outreach pilot program, teams will also pass out cold-weather items such as gloves, hats, and hand warmers when needed. Six DID ambassadors are currently assigned to walk the nearly 8 mile skyway network on a daily basis.

The DID ambassadors work in liaison with community groups such as Violence Interrupters, Mad Dads and the Guardian Beat, who run foot patrols throughout the 1st Precinct. The new skyway patrols are part of Operation Endeavor - a multijurisdictional public safety and crime reduction program that launched in October. Downtown community feedback has been positive as employers, commuters, residents, and visitors appreciate the friendly crew and extra layer of safety in skyway network. 

Know Before You Go - MPRB Trail Conditions App

The app also allows the Park Board to collect data to analyze and improve their operations. If you run into some unplowed trails, there's an option on the website to report any problem areas.

Park When You Need To, Save Money,

And Drive Less With Flexpass

There is a new commuting program offered at Ramp A called FlexPass that is perfect for hybrid work schedules, active transportation enthusiasts, and part-time workers. Flexpass allows up to 14 days of contract parking at an affordable rate while providing the flexibility to bike commute, ride transit, or telecommute on other days of the month. It is the ideal contract parking for those hybrid work schedules that require being at the office only 2-3 days a week.

FlexPass for $90 per month: get guaranteed parking at Ramp A 14 days per month with in-and-out privileges on those days.

Ramp A has direct access from I-394 and is connected to downtown by skyway.

Happy Holidays!

Website  About Us News & Events Contact