Metro Transit launched a new bus transportation service called “Metro micro” this week in Woodbury and Roseville, offering affordable rides to any location within its mapped areas. Metro micro uses ADA-accessible minibuses that allow door-to-door trips connecting to fixed Metro Transit routes, according to the transportation agency. The new service is now available to riders in the designated Roseville and Woodbury areas and has been available to North Minneapolis residents since September 2022. “These new projects are aimed to provide access into the transit system in areas where maybe there isn’t as much fixed route transit service,” director of service development Adam Harrington said. The Metro micro service in the Roseville area is roughly within a zone bounded by Ramsey County Road B, Old Highway 8, County Road F and Victoria Street. Service in the Woodbury area includes parts of Woodbury, Oakdale and Lake Elmo. Service in the North Minneapolis area is bounded by 34th Avenue North, Interstate 94 and Mississippi River, Dunwoody Boulevard and Interstate 394, and Xerxes Avenue North. The cost of the service varies between $1 and $3.25 per ride depending on age, ability and payment method. Transfers to regular Metro Transit lines are free for two and a half hours. Ride payment can be made in cash, with a Go-To Card, including a TAP Card, Metropass, College Pass, Universal Pass, Residential Pass, Student Pass or with the Metro Transit app. The service can be accessed by creating an account through the Metro Transit app or by calling the dispatch number at 651-602-1170. Ride cancellations due to weather or other conditions will be posted on the app and can be discussed over the phone. 20-minute service Metro micro buses are meant to pick up riders within 20 minutes of a booking request, which is why the mapped areas have restrictions, according to Harrington. The buses seat up to nine people and have two bike racks in the front, which are first-come, first-served. Related Articles Local News | St. Paul, MnDOT look to revive Riverview Corridor planning along West 7th Street Local News | Section of Minnesota 36 gets higher speed limit, for safety reasons Local News | Yes, Minnesota, it’s another snowplow naming contest. Whad’ya got? Local News | Washington County to host open house on County Road 74 improvement project Local News | Driver shortage leads to headaches for Metro Mobility clients in east metro The Metro micro service in Roseville connects to the popular A Line bus rapid transit route and in Woodbury will connect to the Gold Line BRT when it starts service in March. “We’ve heard a lot of excitement from the east metro communities especially looking forward to this new service that they can connect with Gold Line,” Harrington said. Harrington said Metro micro has thrived in North Minneapolis, providing 200 rides per day. “It does provide that extra layer of convenience if you’re going to the grocery store if you have a bunch of bags that you need to carry or other things,” Harrington said. For more information on Metro micro, including payment options and maps, visit metrotransit.org/micro.