Council approves 5-year contract for Route 288 service
ST. PAUL – (Oct. 15, 2009) – The Metropolitan Council has breathed new life into express service between Forest Lake and Minneapolis, approving a new long-term contract for the service. The Council, on Oct. 14, approved a five-year contract with First Transit to ensure the service remains up and running.
Route 288 has had its share of close calls since its inception in January 2008. It was launched originally as a temporary emergency route to reduce congestion following the collapse of the I-35W bridge in Minneapolis. Federal emergency funding for the route ended in September 2008, however, when the new bridge opened.
“Because the route was so popular, the Council and local officials were committed to moving heaven and earth to identify a funding scenario that would continue the service, while also striking the right balance between local, regional and individual rider contributions,” said Council Chair Peter Bell.
“We’re pleased to be able to continue the service well into the future,” said Bell. “It’s the right thing for the customer and the right thing for the northeastern part of the region.”
The commitment to a long-term service contract is the second piece of good news in recent weeks for customers of the popular express service.
Last month, the Metro Council reduced the Route 288 fare to $3 each way beginning Oct. 1. The previous fare was $4.75 each direction, and included a $1.75 surcharge that helped cover the route’s operating costs and made the route’s higher fare consistent with similar long-distance service, specifically Northstar commuter coach service.
The Council eliminated the surcharge for reasons including:
- the cities of Columbus and Forest Lake will contribute to transit capital expenses beginning in 2010, helping to defray regional costs,
- the Northstar commuter coach is being eliminated with the launch of Northstar commuter rail next month, and a fare of $3 will be consistent with other express fares in the region, and
- the lower fare is expected to promote ridership, which officials believe declined both as a result of the surcharge and higher unemployment rates being experienced throughout the region.
Route 288 makes six trips each weekday morning: the first to the 95th Avenue park-and-ride and the remaining five trips into downtown Minneapolis. Each weekday afternoon, it makes five trips from downtown Minneapolis. About 70 percent of Route 288 riders come from Washington and Chisago counties, with the remaining from Anoka County.
First Transit will continue to provide the coach bus service under a contract with the Metro Council for an amount that may not exceed $2.8 million. Daily ridership is approximately 260 riders a day for the month of Oct.
The Metropolitan Council is the regional planning organization for the seven-county Twin Cities area. It runs the regional bus and light rail system, collects and treats wastewater, manages regional water resources, plans regional parks and administers funds that provide housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income individuals and families. The Council is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the governor.
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