Overnight Light-Rail Service on the Chopping Block Between the Twin Cities

Frederick Melo reports on the political maneuvering as Metro Transit considers cutting overnight transit service on the light rail corridor connecting the downtowns of the two Twin Cities.

On April 4, Melo reported the details of the proposal that would axe service on the Green Line between 2 am and 4 am.

"The 24-hour rail line, which debuted in the summer of 2014, carries some 42,500 passengers per day, making it the most heavily used of any of Metro Transit’s service routes," according to Melo.

"[Metro Transit General Manager Wes] Kooistra said operations maintenance staff have repeatedly requested nightly downtime on the Green Line for regular and unscheduled rail maintenance, mostly because it is safer to do so when the tracks are less active."

Melo also reported on the proposal shortly after a meeting of Metropolitan Council's Equity Advisory Committee, where advocates expressed concern about the plan, as well as doubts that the proposal isn't designed to crackdown on the number of homeless riding the trains.

A full report to the Metropolitan Council is expected in May.