> News+Events > Features > Transit

Passenger capacity to grow on Hiawatha line

Three new rail cars will join fleet 

When the Hiawatha Line made its debut in 2004, ridership hit nearly 3 million. A fleet of 24 light-rail cars handled demand when a portion of the line opened in June of that year and were used more extensively when the entire line was completed in December.

Since then, ridership has more than tripled, yet the number of rail cars has remained static. Ridership surged to 7.9 million in 2005 and grew another 20 percent last year, to 9.4 million.

To help keep up with customer demand, three new light-rail cars will be added to the fleet this winter. This is the first fleet expansion since light-rail service began with 24 cars.

“One can clearly see the need for the additional capacity to our rail system,” said Metro Transit General Manager Brian Lamb. “The public’s appetite for rail service continues to grow.”

Changes coming in March

Starting in March, Metro Transit will operate 12 two-car trains during rush hours, which will increase the rail system’s capacity to carry customers at times when demand is highest. That’s not the only benefit customers will see.

The expanded fleet also enhances capacity for train service during special events, such as home games for the Twins and Vikings at the Metrodome. “In 2006, we provided service at more than 100 special events in downtown Minneapolis,” Lamb said. “With the extra capacity, we’ll be able to move more people faster than we ever have before.”

Finally, the expanded fleet means less pressure on the system’s maintenance schedule because there will be more spare trains. Increased ridership had forced Metro Transit to put extra miles on its current fleet, cutting into the amount of time rail cars are out of service and available for cleaning and regular maintenance. With the additional vehicles, customers will be assured of more reliable and cleaner trains.

Funding from rail project budget, Hennepin County

The cars, manufactured by Bombardier, cost $3.15 million each. One car was purchased with $3.15 million left in the Hiawatha light-rail project budget and the other two from $6.3 million from Hennepin County through a local funding match for the proposed Northstar commuter rail line.

The new cars will be identical to the first 24 in the fleet.