Light (Rail) at the End of the Tunnel
Tomorrow the Hiawatha Light Rail Line is opening the Airport/Mall of America leg of the line. According to Metro Transit’s website, rides this weekend on the light rail are free to celebrate.
I’m ridiculously excited about the light rail project in Minneapolis. I have enjoyed rail systems both in the US and abroad as an affordable and convenient method of transit. As one friend said when the first leg of the light rail opened, it makes Minneapolis feel like a “grown-up city.” I even bought my condo where I did in part because of its proximity to a light rail station.
The Twin Cities have been plagued by horrible traffic management ever since I can remember. I remember the gargantuan Crosstown project to construct Highway 62 to connect parts west to the downtown core. It was a decent idea, right up until they botched the traffic flow of the Crosstown and 35W at Lyndale. It’s still a mess.
The light rail project seems light a light at the end of the traffic nightmare in the Cities. The Hiawatha Line wasn’t anyone’s first choice for a rail line, but it has proven popular. I heard reported recently that there’s a rapid transit (either express bus or light rail) initiative planned for the University Avenue corridor between Minneapolis and Saint Paul, which would be a welcome relief to traffic on 94, especially for games and events at the Excel Center in St. Paul (assuming we ever get NHL hockey back).
I most look forward to being able to take the train to the airport, saving me time and money for cab fares. Also being able to ride to the Mall of America (on those rare occasions I want to brave it), or better yet, Ikea.
So, get out for a ride on the light rail this weekend for a free trip, if you’ve got the chance.
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Hey, did Jesse make you post this?
Just kidding. I was a doubter at first but am starting to convert–everyone who rides it seems to love it, and I have to admit that riding it is kinda fun. :)