From General Manager Wes Kooistra
Throughout the pandemic, we've done our part to help slow the spread of COVID-19 while getting people where they need to go. And today, we are doing our part to bring the pandemic to an end.
Metro Transit is working closely with the Minnesota Department of Health to address transportation barriers to vaccine access. Since early-April, we’ve offered free rides to a community vaccination clinic at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, where thousands of vaccinations are being administered.
Buses that have been expertly transformed into mobile vaccination units are also being sent across the state so providers can bring vaccines to hard-to-reach populations, including undocumented, unsheltered and homebound individuals.
I want to recognize and thank the Minnesota Department of Health and all the partners and staff who made these efforts possible
I also want to let our riders know that we will continue to support healthy communities beyond the life of this pandemic by:
- Improving access to medical centers like Abbott Northwestern Hospital, located along the future METRO D Line corridor.
- Prioritizing shelter investments near medical centers, as we are doing through the Better Bus Stops program.
- Partnering with health care providers and service agencies to expand our Access Pass program, which puts Go-To Cards in the hands of patients who need them.
- Maintaining our focus on providing clean and healthy on-board environments through enhanced cleaning and the use of efficient air filters.
The connection between public health and transit has not always been obvious. But now more than ever, we can see that transit is a critical part of our region’s health infrastructure.
Thank you to all those who are helping us strengthen this relationship and thank you to all the riders who are traveling toward better health by traveling with us.