Metro Transit: Free LRT Replacement Bus Rides On Super Bowl Sunday
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Metro Transit is announcing that replacement buses on sections of Blue and Green line will be free on Super Bowl Sunday.
The decision came after a number of Twitter users saw on the Super Bowl Host Committee's website, in the "Know Before You Go" section, information saying "…only those holding a Gameday Pass and an Official Super Bowl ticket will be able to ride the light rail on game day."
Gameday Passes cost $30, and that did not sit well with many riders in the Twin Cities who took to Twitter to sound off.
The light rail stops affected on game day will be on the Blue Line, from Target Field to Mall of America, and the Green Line, from Target Field to Stadium Village.
Super Bowl ticket holders will go through security screening at MOA or Stadium Village and then be taken directly U.S. Bank Stadium with no stops in between.
Free replacement buses on Feb. 4 will run station-to-station every 10 to 15 minutes. There will also be temporary shelters put up at 35 locations for commuters waiting in the winter cold.
Metro Transit expects light rail service to open again to all customers on Sunday evening.
A statement from Metro Transit on Tuesday said in part, "The safety of our customers, staff and fans drives everything we do. As security needs related to the Super Bowl became apparent during planning, we decided to provide people without Super Bowl tickets a way to complete their trips without being delayed by security measures. The decision to offer replacement bus service also reflects the fact that light rail vehicles will be at capacity as fans travel to and from the game."
Howie Padilla, public relations manager for Metro Transit, says NFL security officials originally called for a 96-hour ban on public transportation around Super Bowl Sunday, which Metro Transit denied.
