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Last month, Minneapolis’ Hiawatha light-rail line topped the 1 million passenger mark for the first time in its two-year history. Operator Metro Transit has posted record ridership on the line in four consecutive months since May, when 841,800 passengers rode the system.

Ridership rose 21 percent, or by 175,000 rides, compared with August 2005. Officials attribute the increase to high gas prices, as well as 15 Minnesota Twins home games and two Minnesota Vikings pre-season games.

The 12-mile Hiawatha line serves downtown Minneapolis, the Mall of America, Metrodome, Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport and Fort Snelling.