ST. PAUL, Minn. - Nearly 2 million people did it all at the Minnesota State Fair last year.
It was a record-breaking attendance, and according to the Fair, about half the attendees got there by some sort of public transportation.
"The people coming on, they're excited to get there. When they're going home, they're excited to re-live those memories with their loved ones as they're talking," said Howie Padilla, Public Relations Manager for Metro Transit.
There are nine Park N' Ride Express spots around the metro that'll pick you up and take you right to the State Fair. It's always a popular option, and at $4.50 a ticket, an inexpensive one, too. This year, though, eight of those spots will start picking people up an hour later, at 9 a.m. while the other starts at noon.
"You know, frankly, we've got an operator shortage," said Padilla. "We are going from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. on our weekly service, but there are so many options in order to get there."
Like the regular bus routes, the A-line, or the shuttles.
But, why change this particular early-morning time?
"So, what that change does for us is it really addresses a need for our operators during the daily rider's morning peak. You know, when people are - during that weekday - are trying to get to work, trying to get to school., trying to get wherever they need to get to," said Padilla.
Starting at 9, though, plenty of people will need to get to the State Fair. Metro Transit is paying operators overtime to have the routes covered.
"It's cheaper than a parking spot. And, we bring you to the Fair, right at the gate and then we bring you home safely," said Padilla. "Plan your trip. And, it's no different, really, in planning your day at the State Fair."
To plan for the best route for you, look at all of the options here.