Ridership on Metro Transit trains and buses rose by 17% in 2022 over the previous year, as passengers steadily returned to public transportation following steep declines experienced during the COVID-19 outbreak.
But the 42 million rides taken on Metro Transit last year still added up to little more than half the 78 million rides in 2019, the last year before the pandemic decimated transit ridership and changed commuter patterns, perhaps for good.
"The pandemic has been tough," said John Harper, manager of contracted transit services for the Metropolitan Council, which operates Metro Transit. "We took a hit on all modes of service."
Every type of transit, from Metro Mobility to light rail, saw increases in ridership last year. Two-thirds of Metro Transit ridership came from the core cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul.
And the way people use transit seems to have changed, with the busiest time being around 3 p.m. rather than later in the afternoon.
"The morning and afternoon peaks are no longer equal," said Eric Lind, research and analytics manager for Metro Transit.
The increase comes as the Met Council attempts to check safety issues throughout the system. The council recently adopted a plan to enhance safety aboard trains and buses.
Ridership on Metro Transit buses — the workhorse of the system — increased by 18% in 2022, to a total of 27 million rides.