Bus service between Forest Lake and Minneapolis continues as additional funding is sought
Federal funding for express service was available only during I-35W bridge construction
ST. PAUL - September 11, 2008 - Bus Route 288 express service between Forest Lake and downtown Minneapolis has been given a reprieve. The Metropolitan Council has announced a commitment to keeping the service going for the time being, even though the route’s funding is about to go away.
The service was launched in January 2008 as a demonstration to help mitigate impacts of the I-35W bridge collapse. It was funded with emergency transit dollars from the U.S. Department of Transportation that are about to expire with the impending opening of the new bridge.
The Metropolitan Council, however, has announced that it is working with Washington, Chisago and Anoka counties, as well as Forest Lake and Columbus to keep the service operating at least through the month, and hopefully longer.
Council officials say the service has been highly successful, boasting a high of nearly 10,000 rides in the month of June, demonstrating market demand for transit in that part of the region.
“The Council is committed to working with our local partners to develop a funding partnership and operating plan to keep this service up and running,” said Arlene McCarthy, Director of Metropolitan Transportation Services.
“We’ll leave no stone unturned in the search for continued funding,” said McCarthy. “However, we need to be clear that without those federal dollars we anticipate a significant impact on the current fare of $2.75, which was put in place for only the duration of the demonstration. That too, will have to be evaluated.”
The cost of the service is $800,000 a year, including the cost of leasing the vehicles. Rider Alerts are being posted so Route 288 customers are aware the service is not being suspended.
See more information on the launch of Route 288.
The Metropolitan Council is the regional planning organization for the seven-county Twin Cities area. The Council runs the regional bus and light rail system, collects and treats wastewater, coordinates regional water resources, plans regional parks and administers funds that provide housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income individuals and families. The Council board is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the governor.
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