Metro Transit is turning the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, into a live classroom this Saturday, Sept. 19. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the agency will open its Huntington® Bank Rotunda to the public, giving residents a chance to see the people and technology that keep the region’s buses and light‑rail moving.
What visitors can expect
Families will find a series of interactive stations designed to demystify public transportation. The “Stamp Book Experience” lets participants collect a stamp from each activity area; once the book is full, volunteers will hand out a complimentary Go‑To Card, the agency’s reloadable fare card, while supplies remain available.
- Bus‑driver seat selfie: Kids (and adults) can sit behind the wheel of a real Metro Transit bus and snap a photo. The booth also includes a link to current driver‑recruiting opportunities for those who discover a new career path.
- Meet Skip Traffic: The agency’s friendly mascot will pose for pictures and hand out stickers.
- Trip‑planning demo: Staff will walk visitors through the process of planning a trip, locating stops and paying fares using the Go‑To Card.
- Dream‑route workshop: Participants can sketch their ideal bus route and learn how route costs are calculated.
- Public‑art showcase: A display highlights murals and sculptures that adorn Metro Transit vehicles and stations, followed by a giant chalk‑bus coloring activity.
- Mechanic challenge: Hands‑on demonstrations let attendees try removing lug nuts and meet the technicians who maintain the fleet.
Beyond the activities, Metro Transit representatives will be on hand to answer questions about service changes, upcoming projects and how the agency supports safe, reliable travel for commuters, students and seniors alike.
Why the event matters
Public‑transport agencies across the country face budget pressures and shifting ridership patterns. By inviting the community into its operations, Metro Transit aims to build trust, showcase career opportunities and encourage more residents to consider transit as a convenient, affordable alternative to driving.
“When people see the faces behind the buses and understand how the system works, they’re more likely to ride and support continued investment,” said a Metro Transit spokesperson. “We want families to have fun, learn and leave with a tangible reminder of how easy it is to get around the Twin Cities without a car.”
Practical details
The event is free and open to all ages. Attendees should arrive early, as space may fill quickly, especially for the popular selfie station. For those unable to attend, Metro Transit offers an online guide to planning trips and using the Go‑To Card at metrotransit.org/news/transit-at-the-mall/.
Metro Transit encourages visitors to follow safety guidelines, including wearing masks if they feel unwell and maintaining social distance at busy stations. The agency also reminds guests that the Go‑To Card can be reloaded online, at vending machines and at select retail locations throughout Minnesota.
For more information about driver recruitment, visit metrotransit.org/drive. The agency looks forward to meeting the community and showing how public transit keeps Minnesota moving forward.
Original reporting: Sahan Journal — read the source article.
