Could Taylor Swift fans be left in the dark? Metro Transit may not add trains after sold-out Minneapolis shows

Taylor Swift fans leaving next weekend's concerts at U.S. Bank Stadium could be left scrambling to find ways home as Metro Transit said it could not commit to additional late-night light-rail service.

The last train is scheduled to depart from the U.S. Bank Stadium station at 11:31 p.m. Friday and Saturday, according to the Metro Transit light-rail schedule. That's about the same time that Swift is expected to end her 3½-hour concert. About 60,000 people are expected to attend the sold-out shows each night.

The idea of tens of thousands of music fans — including many young people — left to walk or find rides out of downtown Minneapolis at night has prompted some criticism of Metro Transit on social media.

Megan Radke scored a single ticket to Saturday's show just last week. But the excitement of being able to see Swift has been slightly dimmed by transportation concerns. Radke, an Eagan resident, immediately thought of the Blue Line because she used to take it to and from work.

"I don't necessarily want to walk a whole bunch of blocks either to get back to my car at night as a woman," Radke said.

"I know people have been reaching out via social media to Metro Transit. But it's been frustrating because Metro Transit responds with, 'Oh well, we're done at 11:30,' " Radke said. She's even reached out to Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey.

The mayor has requested that Metro Transit add after-hours service for both concert days, his spokeswoman Ally Peters said in a statement. Downtown Minneapolis will be bustling that weekend with the concerts and the annual Twin Cities Pride Festival.

"Having Taylor Swift perform during the same weekend as Pride is an opportunity to show hundreds of thousands of people how great our city is," Peters said. "Part of that uniquely Minneapolis experience is having safe and accessible transit options to get in and out of downtown."

Staffing shortage blamed

Earlier this week, Metro Transit, operated by the Metropolitan Council, responded to fan requests on social media saying that extra service would likely not be available after the concert, citing staffing shortages. Metro Transit has 85 train operators, 10 below the ideal staffing level, according to a written statement.

"We are sorry to disappoint fans who planned on taking light rail to and from the concerts at U.S. Bank Stadium," the statement said. "We share this disappointment, and hope in the future to be better positioned to provide extra service when we anticipate exceptionally high demand."

Metro Transit is offering overtime pay for staffers in hopes of making the late-night service available, said Drew Kerr, Metro Transit senior communications manager. Eras Tour attendees will know closer to the concert dates if the extra service will be available.

During regular hours of operation, the agency will have security at the stations and on the trains for safety, Kerr said. Metro Transit ambassadors will help manage crowds and fares, and the agency's police department will be staffed on the platform and trains as well.

Fans who want help with other transit options are welcome to call Metro Transit, Kerr said.

There are a few bus options for those heading to the Mall of America and downtown St. Paul. Fans can walk a few blocks to 8th Street and Park Avenue to catch a Metro Transit D Line rapid bus to the mall until about 1:13 a.m. For downtown St. Paul, Swifties can walk to Washington Avenue and catch Route 3 to St. Paul until about 1 a.m., though the number of buses is sparse on the weekend.

Sloane Martin, who will attend Friday night's concert, is planning on taking a bus. She is disappointed that Metro Transit is not taking the opportunity to lessen car dependency.

"Large events are a perfect way to introduce people to using public transportation," Sloane said.

Trying to use Uber or ride shares during big events can sometimes be chaotic, especially with heavy traffic. That is why she will travel to and from the concert on a bus.

Swift's tour in major cities across the country has drawn big crowds relying on transit to attend. Demand from fans prompted commuter rail operators to add service between Boston and the stadium there. Atlanta transit operators also added trains to accommodate the late and large concert crowds.

U.S. Bank Stadium suggests a range of transportation options for event attendees, from taxis to walking to bicycling.

MTVA adds Swiftie buses

For Eras Tour attendees looking for other travel options, Minnesota Valley Transit Authority is offering a $5 roundtrip on its Swiftie bus for both shows, according to its website.

Buses will pick up fans at Marschall Road, Burnsville, Apple Valley and Eagan transit stations and drop off at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Swiftie bus will leave 30 minutes after the concert's last song from the U.S. Bank Stadium Gateway Ramp and drop off at the same pick-up stations.

Tickets should be bought at least two days before the departure date to guarantee a spot on the RIDEMVTA app.

Hannah Sayle and her friends decided on the Swiftie bus when they learned Metro Transit light rail would not be an option — even though she lives just minutes from a light-rail stop. Even with a ticket secured, Sayle said she is concerned about whether a full bus would force her to get to the stadium later.

"I feel like they don't understand how big of an event this is," Sayle, 23, said of Metro Transit.