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Saint Paul, MN (February 11, 2019) — The Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce is celebrating great news released by the Metropolitan Council today. The annual Regional Ridership Report shows that METRO Green Line, METRO Blue Line and A Line Arterial Bus Rapid Transit (aBRT) all set ridership records in 2018, and demand for Metro Mobility continues to increase. Statement from B Kyle, Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce President/CEO: “We are encouraged, but not surprised, by the news that Metro Transit Green Line, Blue Line and A Line each set annual ridership records. Transit is an increasingly efficient and cost-effective way to connect employers with workers. The numbers demonstrate that the investments are paying off. Transit is a huge part of regional competitiveness, especially when attracting and retaining the next generation of workers. These ridership records prove that more and more people are choosing to use transit to get to work, to school, and to leisure activities. Metro Mobility usage is also increasing as our older population grows. Most people don’t know that this service is federally mandated, and is more expensive to fund than normal operations, which does put a strain on resources for the rest of the system. But it is an important service and worth the investment to ensure equitable access for seniors and people with disabilities. We have transit that is working, so now we need more investments to further build out the entire system. The more connectiveness the better our entire network of transit works for everyone – whether they choose a car, a train, or a bus.”