Tripper Tuesday: Minneapolis, Minnesota



Good day to everyone. Today will now be known at "Tripper Tuesday" at Metro Transit Archives.

Tripper in transit lingo is a service that a bus or rail operator does, usually in one direction (sometimes a round trip) to cover a line before going out of service. Mainly this is associated with school supplement service or interlining between one line to another.

For the purposes of these posts, Tripper Tuesday will highlight transit systems that I've visited only once or would like to make another trip in the near future.

Today's feature is Minneapolis, Minnesota and its transit system, Metro Transit. This "Tripper" was made during a week long visit to the Midwest in late September-early October 2009. All photos were taken on September 29th, 2009. Enjoy!

Metro Transit's main fleet at the time was Gillig Phantoms. Here is one in the newer scheme in Downtown Minneapolis:

The other common bus in the fleet at that time was the New Flyer D60HF. These were cousins to the New York City Transit units with similar specs. These are/were being phased out by the D60LFRs.

As mentioned, Metro Transit began purchasing D60LFRs to phase out/add service to the system.

In the 40 footer, Metro Transit continued their love affair with Gillig, buying hybrid and diesel versions of the LF. Some had BRT packages, some with the standard like this bus.

Metro's Blue Line, formerly known as the Hiawatha line, in Downtown Minneapolis, shortly before the extension to Target Field, home of the Minnesota Twins Baseball team.

As with most cities, Metro Transit wrapped a few early hybrid in the "Green" scheme.
 
 Metro Transit also serves the University of Minnesota at Minneapolis campus with multiple bus lines and now a light rail line that connects with Downtown Minneapolis.
 
 The 3 line, which is Metro Transit's heaviest route, uses artics full time and as an added bonus, provides a spectacular photo op of the Minneapolis skyline.
 
 The University of Minnesota at Minneapolis uses a fleet of Van Hools, both in 40 and 60 foot varieties to provide shuttle services between the campus, dorms, and Metro Transit lines.
 
 A 60 foot Van Hool on the 121 Connector, the "local" shuttle around the campus and near Downtown Minneapolis.
 
 At the time, this was the only hybrid and only Gillig in the fleet. Very similar to Metro Transit's units with the exception of the large "airport shuttle" rear doors.
 
 The 3 line ends in Downtown St. Paul. Most of this line now connects or near the Metro Green Line

Downtown St. Paul has several Metro Transit routes that terminate here that begun in different parts of Minneapolis. Here is a set of Gilligs with Linus and Lucy of the peanuts gang looking on.
 
 Metro Transit purchased several diesel Gilligs with the BRT front ends. Here's one in St. Paul.

Another look of the beautiful Minneapolis skyline from the other end of Downtown.

Plymouth Transit is one of five suburban carriers that operate service into Downtown Minneapolis. Here is a raggedy looking Blue Bird, probably retired by now.

Several Metro Transit routes are contracted out to Maple Grove Transit, which uses similar, if not the same equipment Metro Transit uses.

Southwest Transit uses MCI D4500 and D4500CTs with their commuter runs.

Southwest Transit also runs suburban style New Flyer D40LFRs on some lines.

Minnesota Valley Transit Authority is another major outside carrier. They operate several lines into Downtown Minneapolis and presently operates the Metro Red Line BRT service.


Night time in Minneapolis. This is 5th Street, the major drag in downtown and the sight of amazing scenery.

   
Hope you enjoyed this trip. Next stop...The History of Metro Transit Archives Part V (2010)

Comments

  1. MN Black CarMarch 11, 2022 at 1:36 AM

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