Metro micro is coming to part of Woodbury on Monday, Jan. 6. Metro Transit’s on-demand service will provide door-to-door rides on ADA-accessible minibuses. The program is open to all residents and provides an option for people who aren’t near a bus stop or want to go where buses don’t stop.

“Woodbury and Roseville have been chosen for this pilot program,” Janelle Schmitz, Woodbury’s community development director, said. 

Metro micro will begin just a few months before the Metro Gold Line bus rapid transit service kicks off in March. The minibus service will include free transfers to the rapid bus line, which will connect from Woodbury to St. Paul, mainly along I-94. 

Five Metro micro minibuses will service 13 square miles or one-third of the city of Woodbury. Small parts of Lake Elmo and Oakdale, near the Gold Line, will also be part of the route. Metro micro will run seven days a week from early morning into the evening.

Fares will cost $3.25 one way at most. Because it is a shared ride, with each minibus offering a capacity of 12, other passengers may be picked up or dropped off along the way, and travel may not be direct to your destination. 

Arranging a ride on Metro micro will be similar to using other rideshare apps such as Uber and Lyft. The rider can download the app and input pick-up and drop-off locations. The app will calculate the most efficient route and provide real-time arrival information and cost. The app can also alert users when they are outside the covered service area.

Students and seniors are expected to be the biggest users. Woodbury High School and East Ridge High School as well as the Woodbury Leadership Academy, fall within its service area. Other important city sites like the M Health Fairview Sportscenter, Woodbury City Hall, R. H. Stafford Library, and Central Park will also be included. 

The pilot program will run for at least 18-24 months. Analysis of data collected during the pilot study will help develop future service areas.

“Metro micro is an excellent transit option for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a vehicle,” said Mayor Anne Burt. “It allows many residents in our community, especially seniors or even pre-driving teens, to get where they need to be within the service area. We hope this trial period is successful, and the service area expands.”

How To Use Metro Micro

Metro micro rides can be booked by phone by calling (651) 602-1170. To book using the app, down it for free in the app store. Just search for “Metro micro – Twin Cities.” If it’s your first time using the app, you’ll need to set up an account with an email address or phone number.

Other details:

• Cost ranges between $2.50-$3.25 per one-way for an adult trip, depending on day and time. 
• Youth and senior rates range between $1-$3.25, depending on day and time. 
• Transit Assistance Program and mobility fares are $1 at all times. 
• Transfers to fixed-route buses and METRO lines (like the future Gold Line in Woodbury) are free for 2 ½ hours. Metro micro minibuses have fareboxes and accept cash and various Go-To cards. Riders can also pay using the Metro Transit app.
• Metro micro will operate between 5:30 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. on weekdays; 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on weekends.

Click here for answers to frequently asked questions about Metro micro.