Coming Aug. 1: Metro Transit operators to get pay bump
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Beginning Thursday, Metro Transit workers will see a bump in wages as part of an effort to recruit workers and expand service.
Operators are expected to see nearly $29 per hour while technicians will see over $39 per hour, including new hires. Other incentives will go into effect such as hire-on bonuses for those with and without commercial licenses.
Lesley Kandaras, Metro Transit’s general manager, said the Metropolitan Council and worker’s union ratified a new contract earlier this year to make the pay increases possible.
Over 200 bus and train operators have already been hired so far this year.
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Metro Transit said the new hires are leading to the expansion of services offered, including the increase of frequency in which light rail trains will run.
“Fundamentally, for us to provide more service we need people, so it’s a primary focus of ours,” Kandaras said.
Starting Aug. 17, Blue and Green Line trains will run every 12 minutes between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily. Orange Line buses and Route 80, which runs along White Bear Avenue, will also see a frequency increase in daily operations.
Route 4 will see changes to improve speed and mobility as part of the Better Bus Routes program.
Other services to be expanded include three new transit lines set to open in 2025 and six new State Fair Express Bus Service Park & Rides across the metro.
Ridership for the first six months of this year has jumped 9 percent, according to Metro Transit. The average number of riders on the system is estimated at about 144,000 per week with August being the peak month due to summer events and activities.
Metro Transit also plans to hire more police and community service officers.
MPR News reporter Regina Medina contributed to this report.