Metro Transit050

Mass transit options in the Twin Cities are currently limited to an extensive network of bus routes covering the metro area, and the Hiawatha Light Rail Line, which runs between downtown Minneapolis, the airport, and the Mall of America. Both are operated by Metro Transit.

Metro Transit's trip planner can be a real time-saver. It's easy to use and customize to individual needs and preferences, and can plot one-way and round-trip travel to landmarks and specific addresses. Interactive route maps are also helpful.

Fares: The base fare for adults is $1.75 for buses and trains; higher rates apply during rush hours (Mon-Fri 6am-9am & 3pm-6:30pm) and for suburban express buses. All riders, however, pay only $0.50 for bus or train travel within the Downtown Zone, regardless of the hour. Fares are inserted into a farebox upon boarding and drivers do not make change, so be sure to let the driver know if you're paying any reduced fares (for example, for children or seniors) before you insert your money or stored-value card, so that you're not charged the higher rate.

Children ages five and under ride free, up to three per paying adult; kids ages 6 to 12 ride for just 75 cents - except during rush hours, when they must pay full fare, which can be as high as $3. Buses and trains accept cash, tokens, and passes, but stored-value cards can only be used on buses. Most fares include transfer privileges for 2.5 hours in any direction. A transfer must be requested when paying a fare unless using a fare card (those serve as transfers). There's one exception: when using a stored-value card to pay bus fare before transferring to the train, riders must request a special "rail-only" transfer, good for 12 hours, and show that, along with the stored-value card, to board the train.

Several pass and discount options are available: A $6 day pass provides unlimited bus and train rides within 24 hours of its first use; a six-hour pass, at $3.50 or $4, allows unlimited travel during that time period. For families traveling together, a better bet might be the Supersaver passes, sold in increments of $10, $20, and $40, which provide, respectively, $11, $22, and $44 of transit value with no expiration date. They can be used for multiple travellers at once - but remember, they can't be used on the train!

Monthly passes cost $50-$104/person, depending on hours and routes of travel. The new Go-To Card is even more versatile than Supersaver passes, and offers more convenience for regular riders. The reloadable hard plastic passes are programmed to deduct the correct fare in effect at any given time (even for children and seniors), and the card just has to be touched against a reader, rather than inserted in the farebox. Cards can also be registered to protect their value if they are lost or stolen.

Bicycles can be transported on buses and trains, though that privilege may be curtailed during special events and rush hours. There's no additional charge and securing bikes is pretty easy - just follow the simple illustrated directions on the racks. The biggest drawback for families is that each bus accommodates only up to two bikes (and either or both of those slots might be already taken, too).

Metro Transit buses and light rail service also provide inexpensive service to and from the airport.

The Transit Information Center (612.373.3333) is open Mon-Fri 6:30am-9pm; Sat-Sun & Holidays 8am-5pm. Call 612.341.4287 for automated service 24/7. The Lost & Found is open Mon-Fri 7am-6pm, and located at 570 Sixth Avenue North. Items found on buses and trains are turned in by 8:30am the following business day.