How Metro Transit uses microtransit and multimodal tech to improve service in the Twin Cities

Expanding regional access with a smarter, more connected system

To improve regional mobility across the Twin Cities, Metro Transit launched Metro micro—a demand-responsive service integrated with the region’s broader transit network. Powered by Spare, Metro micro helps connect riders to fixed-route buses, rail lines, and BRT, filling in coverage gaps and making transit more flexible and accessible.

Developed in collaboration with the Metropolitan Council, Schmitty & Sons, and Spare, Metro micro’s latest phase introduces seamless multimodal integration—giving riders more ways to get where they need to go.

At a glance: Metro micro’s early results in the Twin Cities

• 10,105 boardings in February — a 3x increase since October
• 93% rider satisfaction — strong response to the upgraded experience
• Shorter median wait times across zones:
  • Roseville: 6 minutes
  • Woodbury: 7.7 minutes
  • North Minneapolis: 19.5 minutes
• 89% of trips booked through the Rider App — reduced call volume, more self-service
• 96% on-time performance as of Feb 2025 — up significantly from the previous system
• 5.6 passengers per vehicle hour (PPVH) in North Minneapolis — strong fleet efficiency

Goal: A more connected, rider-responsive transit system

Metro Transit’s goal is to connect people, support communities, and deliver reliable service. To keep ridership growing, they needed a platform that could adapt to real-time needs and improve the rider experience.

Spare supported the transition ahead of the November 2024 relaunch, working with the Metropolitan Council to get riders using the new Metro micro app.

Challenge: Disconnected modes, outdated tools, rising expectations

““Metro micro is critical to the success of the reverse commute - giving the last or first connector to riders to make the trips not only easier and more comfortable- but possible!”- John Harper, Director of Contracted Services 

Metro Transit wanted to make transferring between modes easier—across zones, schedules, and services. They also needed a rider experience that kept up with growing demand and higher expectations.

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Solution: A smarter multimodal system powered by Spare

Benefits of Metro Transit's multimodal integration:

• More coverage across the region: By integrating buses, rail, and microtransit, Metro Transit ensures comprehensive transit coverage across the Twin Cities.
• First-Mile/Last-Mile Connectivity: On-demand microtransit and local buses improve access to light rail and BRT stations, making transit more convenient.
• Smoother trip planning: Coordinated schedules and real-time trip planning provide seamless connections between different transit modes.
• Less traffic and fewer emissions: By offering viable alternatives to driving, Metro Transit reduces greenhouse gas emissions and traffic congestion in the metro area.
• Economic Growth: Investments in multimodal transit expand access to jobs, education, and commercial districts, fostering economic development.

Benefits of the Rider App:

With Metro micro now integrated into the Metro Transit app, riders can plan, book, and pay for multimodal trips all in one place.

Benefits of the rider app include:

• Vehicle location on a map showing riders when their ride is nearby. 
• Automated notifications to keep riders informed about their trips by voice, text, email, or app.
• Hands-free boarding option with payment stored and on file to easily pay fares when booking or boarding. 
• Rate and review trips in real time.

Live call center agents are still available to assist riders if preferred, as part of a commitment to giving riders both autonomy and choice.

Streamlining operations with Spare's dispatch and driver tools

Schmitty & Sons operates Metro micro, with Spare powering trip matching and dispatch. The platform automates ride scheduling every few minutes—freeing dispatchers to focus on more complex tasks.The platform automatically optimizes trip matching every few minutes – to make sure that all trips are accounted for, and riders get where they need to go when they would like to go there.

"With Spare's platform, now a lot of the power and onus is in our hands in case a change needed to made on the fly. Spare has been proactive on working one on one with us to create the system that we like and works for us. - Ben Picone, Transit Planner at Metro Transit

Additionally, the platform allows for the dispatch and driver teams to have direct contact which helps to solve any issues that may arise quickly and efficiently, or prepare to assist riders depending on their needs. With time automatically built into driver’s schedules to accommodate accessibility features, the system builds in extra time for drivers to assist passengers with safely getting into the vehicles - it saves time and it’s safer.

“It’s been great to have the ability to have direct contact with the drivers. The platform has simplified our ability to connect with drivers to give them real time updates or collaboratively solve any issues that arise. I can track where the drivers are, I can see where drivers were in rider complaints - this gives me the ability to act autonomously - I am not reliant on anyone to pull reports for me, I can do it all myself which helps me to problem solve and investigate trips”. - Joy Gunderson, Schmitty and Sons Special Programs Manager

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Results: Higher ridership, lower wait times, and more self-service

Ridership is rising

• 10,105 completed boardings in February, up from 2,730 in October — a 3x increase in four months
• 93% rider satisfaction: Riders are embracing the new service and experience

Faster, more efficient trips

• Median wait times: Shorter waits mean more reliable, convenient rides
  • Roseville: 6 minutes
  • Woodbury: 7.7 minutes
  • North Minneapolis: 19.5 minutes
    
• 96% on-time performance as of February 2025: up significantly since Spare took over in November 2024

High app adoption

• 89% of trips booked through the Metro micro app: Most riders now self-serve, reducing call center strain and improving access

Efficient service delivery

• Passengers per vehicle hour (PPVH): Well above industry benchmarks—showing smart use of fleet and strong demand‍
  • System-wide: 2.7
  • North Minneapolis: 5.6‍
• ‍More self-service, less waiting: the majority of bookings are now handled through the rider app, giving riders faster access to transportation.‍
  • >85% of bookings now come through the rider app, reducing the need for manual call handling.

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What’s next for Metro Transit?

Metro Transit isn’t stopping here. Now with multimodal system capabilities, Metro Transit is building out transit routes with upcoming Metro micro zones and new Bus Rapid Transit lines.

“We are thrilled to be expanding ridership access and connect more riders with the community. People who previously could not access the system can use it now - micro serves as a community connector - bridges the gap. Looking ahead, we are so excited to launch our new micro zones, and to reach ​​more riders than ever before”. - Christina Pfleuger, Metropolitan Council Project Administrator

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Setting a new standard in transit service

In Minneapolis, people believe there’s “more to life”. With Metro micro, riders can get to where they want to go, and focus on living life. One rider even shared that the new service allowed their family to go down to one car:

“I want to share my enthusiasm for the new Metro micro service in Roseville. I work at a location that was over a mile outside of easy to access transit connections but now I am easily able to get to work without delays. This has truly been a game changer in our household. We dropped down to one car for our family and we try to use transit as often as possible. This new service has changed my commute in an immensely positive way and allows our family to continue our one car lifestyle.” - Metro micro Rider

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Ready to see the difference smart automation can make? Request a demo or explore other case studies to learn more about how technology is transforming transit services.

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