Metro Transits Green and Blue Line routes have reached a major milestone this month.
Its been 20 years of service on the Blue Line and ten years on the Green Line adding up to more than 280 million rides total since the light rail service first opened in 2004.
A celebration in honor of conductors and support staff was held Tuesday night outside Target Field. Facility maintenance worker Marcus, says despite the challenges of the job its been one he enjoys.
"It's a blessing, they always take care of their people," Marcus says. "You know, they're always willing to talk to us about different things, situations, family issues. It's like a family, a big family. We love each other."
Metro transit spokesperson John Komarek says the transit system as a whole wouldn't be where it is today without strong partnerships.
"It takes more than just Metro Transit or the Metropolitan Council to put a light rail project into motion," says Komerek. "It takes a lot of folks at the city and county level."
Komerek says without that support, the nearly $3 billion Southwest Light Rail project, an extension of the Green Line, wouldn't be possible. That project is not without controversy of course, with cost-overruns and significant delays. That project is now due to open sometime in 2027.
Up next is an extension for the Blue Line between downtown Minneapolis and Brooklyn Park. That project is set to cost another $3 billion.