Winter season bus reminders

Service changes or cancellations due to severe weather 

Any service modifications, additions, or cancellations related to weather are announced on the Maple Grove Transit's emergency information hotline 763-494-5994. 

In the event that all of Maple Grove Transit service would be canceled due to severe weather, announcements would also be made on WCCO 830 am radio and Channel 4 TV. 

Maple Grove Transit contracts with Metro Transit for commuter bus operations, so if Metro Transit is cancelling service, Maple Grove will also have to cancel service.

Special midday service on winter storm days 

In the event of a major snowstorm during the mid-day that causes public schools or downtown Minneapolis businesses to close early, it is difficult for Maple Grove Transit to provide extra service due to driver and bus availability. Depending on the time of day, amount of snowfall, and road conditions, we may be able to offer some additional service. 

Any special trips would be announced on the Emergency Information Hotline 763-494-5994 and via email. 

In the event of a mid-day snowstorm, Maple Grove will make every possible effort to operate all afternoon trips per the schedule. Many trips could run late, and the rare possibility exists that roads could become impassable where the Minnesota State Patrol shuts down the roadway system. Be advised many commuters will attempt to take early p.m. buses home causing standing loads and/or riders left behind. Again, Maple Grove will have limited options to provide additional buses service.

Spare buses

If additional bus service is provided during a snow storm, the service might be provided using Metro Transit logo buses. When a bus with a Metro Transit logo is used on a MG route it will list the route number, but not the trip number.

Double-back trips

Given the number of buses in the fleet, some buses are required to complete more than one trip. We call these double-back trips. When one bus is paired to another trip there is a greater potential for the second leg of that double-back trip to be delayed due to winter storm conditions. We will make every effort to keep buses on time, but all trips could be delayed given the time of the forecasted snowfall, but the double-back trips could be affected the most.

Bus shoulder use 

If snow or ice is covering the shoulder lanes, it is the judgment of the driver whether it is safe to operate on the lanes.

Appropriate winter clothing

Please dress appropriately for the weather conditions as buses can be delayed or stranded in winter storms. Even if you board at the Transit Station, you should consider having the appropriate winter clothing and footwear in the event a bus gets stuck in the snow.

Flashlights to signal bus driver

If you board the bus along the street as opposed to a park-and-ride, it is a good idea to use a flashlight during these dark mornings to signal the driver of your intentions to catch the bus. Please do not shine the light directly in the driver's eyes.

If you have questions or comments, contact the transit administrator.