Five Stars for Going in the Right Direction: A Review of Metro Transit…read more Metro Transit, the public transportation system serving the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, deserves a solid five-star rating--not just for reliability and reach, but for its meaningful progress over the years. As someone who began riding the bus regularly in middle school, I've had a front-row seat to the evolution of this system, and I can confidently say it's heading in the right direction. When I first started using Metro Transit, the experience was undeniably hit-or-miss. While the routes were functional, issues like infrequent service, aging buses, and occasional safety concerns made it more of a necessity than a comfort. Over the years, however, I've watched the system mature into something far more dependable, user-friendly, and community-oriented. One of the most noticeable improvements since the post-pandemic recovery has been the enhanced sense of safety. In the past, riding during off-peak hours could feel risky--altercations, loitering, or suspicious activity weren't uncommon. But recently, that's changed dramatically. There's now a consistent police and transit security presence, and it's become routine to see uniformed officers on buses, at stops, and in transit centers. This isn't about over-policing; it's about creating a safer environment for riders of all backgrounds. The visible security presence acts as both a deterrent and a reassurance, making the experience more comfortable, especially for vulnerable populations like students, seniors, and late-night commuters. Beyond safety, Metro Transit stands out for its impressive coverage. Unlike many regional systems that primarily serve downtown cores, Metro Transit extends its reach deep into the suburbs. Whether you're commuting from Apple Valley, Eagan, Plymouth, or even farther out, there are reliable bus routes--or bus rapid transit options like the METRO lines--that connect seamlessly to downtown Minneapolis or Saint Paul. This kind of accessibility is rare in American public transit and reflects a genuine commitment to inclusivity and regional integration. The fleet itself has modernized, too. With newer, low-emission buses, better real-time tracking via apps, and expanded routes like the METRO Orange and planned Gold Lines, the system feels increasingly forward-thinking. Fare payment methods have also improved, with the option to use mobile apps or contactless cards--small but meaningful upgrades that streamline the rider experience. Of course, there's always room for growth--increased frequency during off-peak hours, expanded weekend service, and further integration with surrounding suburbs would make the system even stronger. But compared to many other U.S. cities, Metro Transit is ahead of the curve. In conclusion, Metro Transit has transformed from a basic necessity into a model of what regional public transportation can and should be. It's safe, expansive, evolving, and increasingly reliable. For a system that serves such a diverse and geographically spread population, it's an achievement worth recognizing. Five stars well earned--for going in the right direction, and for getting more of us there safely and efficiently.

Today ( a Saturday midday) I had a great experience traveling the 6U from Fairview Southdale…read morehospital in Edina to the U of MN for a gopher game and also returned just before the game ended. Uber and Lift would have been $30 or so each way. Let's use our transit system.

I canceled an Uber for a 5 minute ride for this company when the driver advised to "hop in". The…read morevan contained 3 different groups all traveling to the same city. The driver never specified a charge. Upon drop off the driver stated "where's my $20!?" I gave the driver $20 and the driver and fellow passengers began yelling obscenities out of the window, including "next time you're in Prescott expect to wait several minutes". This is a truly unprofessional company, avoid at all costs!!!!

From the owner: Safe Ride Twin Cities LLC provides specialized transportation for clients with disabilities, the…read moreelderly, and their families. Caring, friendly, and DHS approved drivers so we can meet the special needs of our clients. Anyone with MA can get transportation without paying out of pocket. We can bill other insurance companies with a waiver. We provide rides to all clients who do not need ramps and stretchers to get to their appointments. We accept all major credit cards along with other payment options like Paypal for clients that don't have insurance coverage. Patients with mobility-limitations and employing mobility devices to get to their destinations in a sitting or supine position. Wheelchair accessible vans are available 24/7 even on holidays. Our most recent addition to the company has been to provide shuttles to and from grocery stores, shopping, and entertainment. We work with other companies to meet the demand for transportation in groups - saving the customers money and allowing them to run errands together.

Rather than spend $40 for a taxi all the way to the airport, I let the taxi bring me to the Metro…read morestation. At 12:30 at night, after I climbed up the stairs, it sure felt lonely standing up there by myself. Kinda creepy. Thankfully, I only had to wait for about 20 minutes before the train arrived. This is an elevated station over Lake Street, which in the winter would be insanely cold if there's a breeze. There's a sign next to a button to turn on a heater, but it wasn't operating in September.

I love light rails. I believe it runs 24 hour. It so easy to get on and off the train when I need…read moreto go to the airport or downtown Minneapolis. It's quick to get to those destinations. I am giving this place four stars because of the location. It is sketchy. As a female, it is creepy to go there by myself. Especially when you get there early morning around 5 am. It is quiet and not sure if anyone would pop around in the corner. They should have securities out around this time. Well, I guess like any other public places, make sure you look after your belongings. There is a Park and Ride area next to the station. It is free to park there but I think it is during the day only. I have parked there once and so far nothing has happened to my car. I would say it is safe to do that. The single fair costs $1.75 which is not bad. There are discounts for senior citizens. Enjoy the ride!

An affordable means to get to Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) if you are staying…read moreat one of the hotels in Downtown Minneapolis. It costs only $2!

Many years it took to get light rail in the cities. I was always jealous of other metropolitan…read moreareas with their sleek commuter trains and platforms. Some were classic even though run down. Metro transit does a decent job trying to keep the areas clean, considering the amount of litter gathering in a day. The system is efficient on their timing and I appreciated the efforts to make the cars more secure and safe. The train rides were a nice experience until about 2020 when things started to change. That year walking back to a seat some young show-off tried to block my way as his friends laughed. All I could do was walk right past even letting our shoulders bump, yes we have to show no fear sometimes. Another time a passenger screamed at me for no apparent reason saying he didn't want me walking past him. I've seen cars with litter, people smoking and sleeping on folded down seats. Jump to 2022 and problems seem more cleared up with more transit police kicking people off and the system scrubbing urine stains off the floor. There used to be soft cloth seats which had to be replaced with cheap hard sitting plastic.

Seyfu my driver delivered WORLD CLASS bell ringing service today!…read moreI Needed ride to the airport with a stop to drop off our dog for boarding. Forgot the dog food my wife packed. Seyfu- picked up dog food & delivered it to the board in facility!! Amazing!!

ReliaCar was wonderful! If you want worry-free service to and from the MSP airport, ReliaCar is the…read morebest choice. I had to be at the airport by 4 am. My driver was waiting for me at agreed upon time. My return flight was delayed and it was helpful to communicate with my driver by text. Upon my return it was so nice to see driver waiting for me. I highly recommend.

Got me on Christmas Eve and brought me to Duluth mn I was able to spend Christmas Eve with my ex…read moregirlfriend and her kids we are friends still lol and spent Christmas with my mother thank you very much to the driver I wish I remembered his name

I watched a driver look at me and drive away. They refused my $110 refund and that driver received…read moregratuity from me. Absolutely ridiculous. It cost another $110 for Uber ride.

I'm basing my star rating solely off of the poor customer service from the dispatch when I called…read morethem last night. My friend had better luck, and albeit I was drinking, doesn't give her the right to be a complete B word. We got off to a bad start because she answered and she spoke so fast, I couldn't understand her so I had to say, "wait, what?" I told her the address I was at, and first she asked East or West, and I wasn't sure and said "east, I think. I'm on 27th st S and Hennepin Ave, in uptown". Then she said "North or South?" and I said.."um.. south? I'm in uptown" She then says "this is your cab not mine, I don't care where they pick you up". Thank you lady, and isn't it your JOB to punch the address into the computer and it will tell you where I am? Frustrated, I hung up. My friend had better luck after she called back (not able to get through to rainbow or blue and white) and she said the address and said south (didn't i just say this?) and the cab was at the house within 5? minutes. It even called her when it was out front. The cab driver was nice, but he did drive extremely fast, and illegally at some point. I appreciated the hustle because it was late, and we were going to NE minneapolis, but it was still $22. I didn't have much money to give him as a tip, but because the lady was so rude from the start, i will try to use a different cab company in the future.

Hey. Sunday night call for one of your taxis from Best Western The Normandy downtown. We just…read morefinished watching the Vikings game. We wanted a taxi to do our for supper and drinks. Drove us from 8th to 3rd Street . No meter on. Vulgar cab driver. Get there in ten minutes. He looks at at us and says Three no four people. 40.00 !!! My brother in law pays but come on !!! What kind of service was that ? Terrible taxi service. We were robbed by your company.

Posting this review for my parents. I booked online for a drop off at the airport and driver…read morearrived on time and was very friendly and professional. After hearing horror stories from my neighbor about Uber's service to the airport, I decided to try TJs Transportation. I'm so glad I did! Thank you for making this a smooth and positive experience for my parents!

Had TJs bring us to and from the airport from our home in Maple Grove and couldn't be happier. They…read moreshowed up on time picking up at our home and helped load the bags and got us to the airport with plenty of time to make our flight. The pickup from our flight at return was effortless as well. They knew our flight number and texted us when the plane landed. There was a delay with the plane coming into the gate but we eventually got off, got our bags, and met the driver who described their vehicle making pick up easy. Excellent service and polite staff. We'll use them again.

I took a trip from MSP Airport to Duluth on the 5:10pm departure on Saturday Jan 22, 2022. It was…read moresnowing out in Minnesota that night and the bus showed up about 15 minutes late (not a problem). The driver was very friendly, very professional, and EXTREMELY good at his job. He said he thought the snow would not affect us north of Minneapolis, however it did snow most of the way. The driver handled it exceptionally well and we arrived only about 25 minutes later to Duluth which I thought was amazing. I would recommend Jefferson Lines and this driver in particular to anyone.

I had an extremely frustrating experience with Jefferson Lines at MSP Airport…read more My bus to Ames was scheduled to depart, but when we arrived at the pickup area, the bus appeared to leave without us. When I finally reached an operator, I was told that this sometimes happens because the code used to access the airport garage doesn't work, causing drivers to leave and return later. If that is a known issue, passengers should be clearly informed about it in advance and given instructions on what to do if it occurs. Instead, we were left confused and unsure whether we had missed the bus. The operator also indicated that because we purchased our tickets less than an hour before departure, the driver may not have known we were planning to board. If that is the company's policy or a limitation of their system, it should be made abundantly clear during the booking process. Customers should not be expected to guess that buying a valid ticket may not properly notify the driver. What made the situation even worse was the difficulty reaching customer service. I called six separate times, trying multiple menu options. Each call rang for an extended period with no answer, eventually leading only to voicemail. When customers are dealing with a potentially missed departure, they need prompt assistance, not endless ringing and unanswered calls. Most disappointing was the apparent lack of ownership of the problem. Rather than providing a clear solution, the issue was largely blamed on the airport. From a passenger's perspective, the reason doesn't matter. Transportation companies should have reliable procedures and backup plans in place when known operational problems occur. The entire experience was stressful, confusing, and avoidable. Better communication, clearer policies, and accessible customer service would go a long way toward preventing situations like this.