Twin Cities' Blue, Green light-rail lines log more than 1 million rides in July

Minneapolis/St.Paul's two light-rail routes each logged more than 1 million rides in July, Metro Transit announced earlier this week.

The number of rides taken on the system's Green Line last month was nearly 1.1 million, marking the third time monthly ridership surpassed 1 million since the line opened last June 2014.

During July, average weekday ridership along the Green Line came to 37,654, representing a 20 percent year-over-year increase.

There have been nearly 13.2 million Green Line rides since service began last year, Metro Transit officials said.

The agency's Blue Line also carried more than 1 million riders in July, while average weekday ridership increased nearly 8 percent from last year to 33,859.

"We’re elated, but not surprised, that residents and visitors continue to enjoy traveling by light rail," said Metro Transit General Manager Brian Lamb. "We look forward to building on this success and continuing to introduce new riders to all the advantages transit has to offer."