For years, Jill Nieman has felt a great sense of independence at her job. Now, she’s enjoying that same freedom and jolt of confidence on her way to work, too.
Since November, Jill has used Metro Move to travel to and from The Glenn in Minnetonka, a senior living facility where Jill works in the kitchen and as a food server. Metro Move is a new public transit service designed specifically for people with disabilities who have Minnesota Department of Human Services-funded waivers. It’s fare-free boarding for riders like Jill, allowing -working-exactly-as/Metro-Move-1.jpg.aspx?lang=en-US&width=250&height=383 "Jill Nieman at her job in the kitchen at The Glenn in Minnetonka.")
them to connect to community resources, day support services, and jobs conveniently.
“I think it makes me a better worker,” said Jill. “I’m proud that I get to work by myself. I was nervous at first, but it’s reliable. And the drivers are really nice.”
Created to meet the unique needs of customers
The Met Council saw the need for a new service specifically for people with waivers for brain injury, developmental disability, or community access for disability inclusion.
“Metro Move was developed with direct input from the people who use it, along with their families, job coaches, and others,” said Charles Carlson, executive director of Metropolitan Transportation Services. “Waiver participants told us that uniform hours, standing orders seven days a week, and timely, dependable service would open new doors and work opportunities.”
More freedom, more choices
Metro Move launched in May 2024. It operates seven days per week over an expansive service area with customers traveling between 68 cities in the seven-county metro region. Drivers provide first-door through first-door service for customers. All costs are paid through the waiver program and lead agency.
Metro Move allows customers to schedule standing orders. As such, customers like Jill can set pick-up times to accommodate her work schedule without having to call in and request trips. They choose Metro Move so they can arrive at work or other destinations reliably.
“I’m on time to work,” said Jill. “It’s convenient and it’s working out for me.”
Often, lead agencies and other partners coordinate-working-exactly-as/Metro-Move-Bus_500-(2).jpg.aspx?lang=en-US&width=350&height=256 "A Metro Move bus waits to load passengers at ProAct in Eagan.")
services for Metro Move customers. Tiffany Warren is Jill’s job coach through Chrestomathy, an employment and day support service in Eden Prairie. She appreciates how the service has helped Jill gain confidence.
“It really helps my clients,” said Tiffany. “Jill can do her own thing now. Everything is set and ready to go. She doesn’t have to rely on anyone else.”
Tiffany appreciates the service she’s received, too. She noted fast response times and clear resolutions when she’s called to speak to Metro Move customer service representatives.
“My biggest concern is making Jill comfortable,” said Tiffany. “The communication with Metro Move has been great. They’re friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. Seeing how well it’s going makes everything easier.”
Ridership increasing quickly
Metro Move ridership has increased significantly. March is expected to be the busiest month for service thus far, marking seven straight months with more than 20,000 customer trips. Metro Move has made nearly 200,000 customer trips overall since its launch.
Visit the Metro Move website to learn more about the new service, how to schedule rides, key details about applying for waivers, and much more.