For the first time since 2017 Metro Transit has express service going to the Minnesota State Fair from Blaine. Fair-goers can hop on a bus at the Park and Ride on 95th Avenue NE and I-35W, and go straight to the fairgrounds.
“It’s really, really nice,” said Sunshine Royal of Coon Rapids.
Metro Transit’s express route to the State Fair has been a home run.
On the first Friday of the State Fair, thousands showed up to board buses to St. Paul – hoping to avoid the huge hassle factor of parking and traffic at the fairgrounds.
“This is very convenient that it’s now back in Blaine,” Royal said. “Because I was searching for a park and ride and then this one popped up.”
“It’s quick, it’s easy,” Patrick Passe of Blaine said. “Don’t have the hassle of parking. You’re in and out. I don’t know why they discontinued it.”
Cheap trip
The cost is just $6 per person, which is chump change compared to some parking prices at the fair.
“Totally nothing,” Royal said. “I am definitely going to be saving a good $100 at least.”
According to Pete Stumme of Metro Transit, the buses run every 30 minutes at the minimum. On day two of the State Fair – 10 full buses with a capacity of 65 each – left before 11 am.
“Thousand in a couple hours,” Stumme said. “That’s pretty good. We had the buses jam packed.”
The turnout is exceeding expectations.
“Absolutely,” Stumme said. “In my opinion. It’s nice to have it open again. It’s nice to see the parking lot full.”
“Keep this!”
The express route to Minnesota’s annual summer bash at the fairgrounds is proving to very popular and some passengers hope it doesn’t go away.
Said Royal: “Keep this!”
Bottom line is Metro Transit has filled a void that makes it easier for people to get to the State Fair.
“Especially for us that live in the North Metro,” Royal said. “I think the closest one, I looked, is in Roseville. I was like, ‘I might as well drive to the Fair.’ So yes I want them to keep this.”
“Today I couldn’t meet my family, they had an appointment this morning so they drove down there and then I’m able to hop on the bus and go right down,” said Will Lawrence of Blaine. “It’s very convenient. It’s cheap. I like it.”
“I remember back in the day my dad looking for parking on the fairgrounds and just peering out the window,” Royal said. “I’m glad that we’ll be able to just go and then come straight back in 30 minutes. That’s perfect for us.”
The express route to the State Fair runs every day from August 24 to September 4. Weekday bus rides begin at 9 am, and at 8 am on weekends and Labor Day.
