Residents of Bloomington will soon have a new option for door-to-door travel, as Metro Micro is set to launch a shared-ride transit service in the area starting August 16. According to the announcement on Bloomington's official website, the service will be operated by ADA-accessible minibuses and will offer transfers to further connections like the METRO Orange Line and other local routes.
Booking a ride will be easy to achieve through the Metro Micro app or via a phone call for those without access to smartphone technologies. The minibuses are not only geared for accessibility but also come equipped with bike racks. The service promises to pick passengers up typically within 20 minutes of booking a ride.
For those looking to plan their commutes or errands around this new service, Metro Micro will be available weekdays from 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and extends its hours into the weekends, from 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. The pricing structure is designed to be affordable, with fares ranging from $1 to $3.25, and includes free transfers valid for 2.5 hours.
The designated zone for this new service is outlined to span an area bordered by 94th Street, Highway 169, the Minnesota River, and 3rd Avenue. To drive up awareness, minibuses are already visibly positioned across the city and staff from Metro Micro are preparing to actively engage with potential riders to explain the app's functionality.
With this new addition to the Bloomington transit landscape, mobility within the city looks set to become more versatile and accessible, boosting connectivity for a broad spectrum of residents. For more information about the service and detailed zoning, interested individuals can check the Metro Micro app or visit the city's announcement page.
