Metro Transit buses and light rail vehicles will allow more riders starting on Monday, April 4.
The change allows 20 passengers on 40-foot buses, up to 30 passengers on 60-foot buses, and up to 33 passengers on light rail vehicles. The expansion from 25 to 50 percent capacity comes following the most recent "turning of the dials" by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz in the state's COVID-19 response.
"It's really in line with what we are seeing in restaurants and other businesses fitting with the state's guidance," said Metro Transit spokeswoman Laura Baenen.
Masking is still required on buses and riders will be asked to create as much space between one another as possible. Metro Transit says even at 50 percent capacity, some riders may be asked to wait for the next bus due to spacing limitations.
"The strongest routes continue to be our core-urban and local routes," Baenen said. "Customers have been using these for groceries and for work purposes."
Last April, Metro Transit announced no more than 10 customers would be allowed on 40-foot buses, while 60-foot buses were limited to a maximum of 15 customers because of COVID-19 concerns.
