The Metropolitan Council has reported a steady climb in transit ridership throughout the region, with a 6% increase in 2024 compared to the previous year. This marks the third consecutive year of growth since transit numbers took a hit during the pandemic. According to Metro Council's announcement, Metro Transit provided over 47.5 million rides in 2024, and the upward trend looks set to continue with future expansions on the horizon.
Metro Transit's largest ridership increase was in its bus rapid transit lines — METRO A Line, C Line, D Line, Orange Line, and Red Line — where collectively, about 8.2 million rides were taken. This is nearly a 14% jump from 2023. "People are voting with their feet, and they’re telling us they value the kind of frequent and reliable service we’re providing in our METRO corridors," Council Chair Charlie Zelle said, as the council anticipates to further grow the network with three new BRT lines scheduled to open in 2025.
Transit services specifically designed for riders with disabilities or those living far from regular routes also saw more usage. Ridership on services such as Metro Mobility, Metro Move, Metro micro, and Transit Link rose by about 4%, amounting to 2.37 million rides in 2024. Metro Move, launched in 2024, has already become a cornerstone for many, providing guaranteed, reliable rides for people with disabilities served by certain state-assisted waivers.
Enhancements to the efficiency and availability of Metro Transit services saw more than 450 new operators brought onboard in 2024, further expanding the agency's capability to offer more frequent trips and reduced wait times. The Met Council plans to adopt a new service improvement plan, Network Now, that could significantly improve access to public transport. If fully implemented, the plan would put more residents within easy reach of frequent transit options, ensuring a robust support for the region's economy and social vitality.
Complementing the ridership growth is a 6% decrease in reported crimes on transit. Metro Transit's 2024 figures show that 7,402 crimes were reported on transit systems, down from 2023, including a focus on reducing incidents like smoking on transit premises. The agency is determined to maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment in 2025, with investments in their Transit Rider Investment Program and recruitment efforts for police officers and Community Service Officers.
