Staff Directory 6370516

Janet Moore

Reporter | Transportation
Phone: 612-673-7752

Transportation reporter Janet Moore covers trains, planes, automobiles, buses, bikes and pedestrians. Moore has been with the Star Tribune for 21 years, previously covering business news, including the retail, medical device and commercial real estate industries. 


Prior to moving to Minnesota, she worked as a business reporter at the Akron (Ohio) Beacon Journal and Easton (Pennsylvania) Express-Times. She has a mass communications degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and was a Knight-Bagehot fellow in Business and Economics Journalism at Columbia University in New York.
Recent content from Janet Moore
An Amtrak crew member checks to make sure all passengers have gotten on the train before it departs to Chicago.

Feds map out potential Amtrak routes from Twin Cities to Denver, Phoenix and San Antonio

The expansion of intercity passenger rail serving Minnesota is still in the fact-finding phase.
Metro Transit signed pacts with the Bloomington and Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport police departments last year to add officers at both MS

Metro Transit ends its safety pacts with MSP Airport and Bloomington police

Agreements were a stopgap measure to stem crime and nuisance behavior on the Blue Line; National Guard not seen as an option.
Travelers check into Delta flights in Terminal 1 at Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport on Nov. 22, 2023.

MSP Airport honored as best in North America once again

Airport trade group uses passenger surveys to craft rankings.
The Riverview Corridor streetcar will look a lot like the Kansas City streetcar.

Cheaper alternative to a St. Paul streetcar emerges. It's a bus.

Ramsey County will decide this fall if it's a $2 billion streetcar or a $121 million bus that will run along W. 7th.
A flying car prototype made by Oregon-based Samson Sky.

Minnesota lawmakers may pave the way for flying cars

Though the vehicles won't get off the ground for at least a couple of years, some Minnesota lawmakers want to make sure they're ready for Minnesota roads.
The view looking down N 10th Avenue toward N 3rd Street from N Washington Avenue in Minneapolis in 2023. The Blue Line LRT extension will connect down

Cost of Blue Line extension could exceed the Southwest light rail

The $2.9 billion to $3.2 billion estimate built in the potential for unexpected costs.
Lexington Restaurant at 1096 Grand Av. in St. Paul. The restaurant was listed in the Green Book, a travel guide during segregation era that listed des

The Green Book guided Black travelers safely through segregated Minnesota, too

About 80 restaurants, hotels and other places of refuge were listed in Minnesota during America's Jim Crow era. Most are gone.
Keith Alexander, of Minneapolis, was one of 22 bus drivers who received diplomas from Metro Transit on Tuesday.

These 22 graduates will make the wheels on the bus go round

Metro Transit celebrated a new class for what a union leader admits is 'not an easy job.'
The departures area at MSP Terminal 2 was relatively quiet on Feb. 22, 2023 in St. Paul.

Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport gets $20 million to expand Terminal 2

More construction coming; federal grant will help pay for two new gates at the smaller MSP terminal.
Commuters disembarked from buses Tuesday at the Mall of America Transit Station in Bloomington.

Metro Transit ridership creeps up, but rush hour no longer rules

Ridership is at 60% of what it was prepandemic. Midday, afternoon trips are now busier than mornings.
An electric vehicle is getting a charge.

Minnesota rolls out rebates of up to $2,500 for EV buyers

Used vehicles could bring a $600 rebate. Federal tax credits are also available.
Metro Transit says an increased presence of police, community service officers, security guards and others is helping to make the system feel safer.

Crime jumped 32% on Metro Transit trains, buses in 2023

As riders return, Metro Transit is bolstering the presence of police, security guards and others to make people feel safe.
View of skyline of downtown Rochester, Minn.

Group wants $2M from Met Council for 'hyperloop' study

The proposal to study the theoretical technology has buy-in from some metro leaders, though others say it's unproven.
Work on Green Line Bryn Mawr Station in March 2023  in Minneapolis.

Met Council engineer sues his employer, saying it illegally inflated cost of Southwest LRT

Met Council denies allegations in federal lawsuit.
Nearly 500 citations for fare evasion on the Green and Blue lines have been issued by Metro Transit Community Service officers since early December.

Metro Transit's fare enforcement yielding results

More than 500 scofflaws were cited in the past month.

Slightly fewer guns found last year at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport

TSA discovered 53 guns at MSP checkpoints in 2023, down from 58 in 2022.
A completed cell in the Southwest light-rail Kenilworth Corridor tunnel. The cell will eventually be equipped with track for trains.

New price tag for Southwest light-rail line: $2.86 billion

The final budget figure won't be available until spring, but officials expressed confidence "that will be the number."
Passengers disembarked at the Lake Street/Midtown light rail station in Minneapolis. The station will soon see major improvements under a new $3.5 mil

Overhaul planned for the troubled Lake Street/Midtown LRT station

Construction is scheduled to begin next year, aimed at making the Blue Line station more welcoming, safe and accessible.
A passenger boarded the Red Line bus for a morning southbound trip Thursday at the Mall of America Transit Center.

Ten years after debut, Red Line offers hard lessons for future of Twin Cities bus rapid transit

Some question whether bus rapid transit service between the Mall of America and Apple Valley is a good value. Ridership was sluggish even before the pandemic.
Las Vegas-based Allegiant Air will resume year-round service between St. Cloud and Phoenix.

Allegiant service from St. Cloud to Phoenix area to continue year-round

Airline also offers service to Florida from central Minnesota.
Concourse F in Terminal 1 is in the first stage of renovations at Minneapolis - St. Paul Airport in St. Paul, Minn. on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023. The Met

MSP airport plans $242M Terminal 1 makeover, in biggest renovation since 1962

Work on the project, which has begun, is expected to wrap up by late 2025. Six of the seven concourses at Terminal 1 will be overhauled.
Jordan Aloysius Carlson

Airline employee charged after loaded gun found in carry-on bag at MSP Airport

The Buffalo, Minn., man was charged with having a prohibited item at a TSA checkpoint.
An EV charging station at the Roseville Target store.

Minnesota's new EV rebate program is still a work in progress

The Legislature last spring set aside nearly $16 million for Minnesotans buying new or used electric vehicles. But the state has yet to launch the program.
A Blue Line train stopped at the Government Center station in downtown Minneapolis. Metro Transit says overall crime on trains and buses declined by 2

Metro Transit says crime has stabilized, but 'we still have a ways to go'

Year-to-date crime is up by 33%, but police say that's because of enhanced enforcement.
The vast reach of the Metropolitan Council, which includes operations of Metro Transit light rail and buses, is being probed by a state task force.

Questions arise within group investigating Met Council reforms

The task force is debating whether a member's legal work should have been disclosed.
The proposed measure at MSP, which may yet be tweaked by the MAC this fall before being adopted, would prohibit the smoking on airport property of “

Smoking weed likely to be banned at MSP Airport

There are no plans to ban edibles and gummies at MSP, and the TSA won't be hunting for your stash. But if they find it, you may have to answer to airport police.
Travelers at the Delta Air Lines counter at Terminal 1 of Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.

MEA at MSP: What you need to know about flying during fall school break

Travel volume is expected to meet, even exceed, pre-pandemic levels. Pack some patience.
A mandate pushed by Gov. Tim Walz means more hybrid and electric vehicles will be available across the state for 2025 models.

Walz's clean-car emissions rule survives legal challenge from auto dealers

The U.S. Supreme Court declined to accept the Minnesota auto dealers association's appeal.
Riders boarded the Metro Transit D Line bus in downtown Minneapolis. Ridership remains strong on bus-rapid transit lines.

Transit ridership up for first two-thirds of 2023 — but still below pre-COVID levels

There was strong demand for arterial bus service, and light-rail numbers were up too.
The C Line is part of a network of popular arterial bus rapid transit lines that will expand, given a new transit tax in the metro area.

New sales tax this month seen as game-changer for transit service in Twin Cities

The 3/4-cent regional tax, expected to raise $433 million next year, will cover an expected budget shortfall and "save the system" in the pandemic's wake, advocates say.
Trains for the Blue Line light-rail extension could travel along this busy stretch of 10th Avenue in the North Loop.

North Loop group opposes latest route for Blue Line LRT extension

The Minneapolis residents say trains would be a tight squeeze, noisy, disruptive and unsafe for pedestrians.

Met Council restarts funding for Twin Cities light-rail projects

Planning for the Blue Line LRT extension between downtown Minneapolis and Brooklyn Park moves forward with $75 million infusion.
Equipment used in construction of the Southwest light rail near Calhoun Isles condominiums complex in Minneapolis, Minn., on Sunday, Feb. 6, 2022.

No end in sight for Minneapolis condo owners' dispute over Southwest LRT

Resolution not expected until construction of Green Line extension wraps up in 2027.
A Metro Transit C-Line bus travels along Penn Avenue in Minneapolis.

Metro Transit drivers vote to authorize a strike

Members of the Amalgamated Transit Union 1005 are seeking a cost-of-living adjustment.
The $2.7 billion Southwest line will extend the existing Green Line service from Union Depot to Eden Prairie. Service is expected to begin in 2027.

Debate lingers on Southwest light-rail deal to cover funding shortfall

Some Met Council members say it's a bad deal.
The Route 6 bus line will largely be replaced by the E Line arterial bus-rapid transit in late 2025.

The E Line, a new BRT route, is coming from Metro Transit. Here's a primer.

The E Line will serve Southdale, 50th and France, Uptown, downtown Minneapolis, Northeast and the University of Minnesota.
Inmates at the Stillwater state prison were protesting limits on their time outside their cells, which the state Corrections Department attributed to

Stillwater prison protest 'resolved' after inmates refused to return to cells

The prison will remain on lockdown until at least Tuesday after about 100 inmates were involved in a peaceful protest Sunday.

Shots fired near Minnesota State Fair on Saturday night

No one was injured; the investigation continues.

Minnesota health officials tie illnesses to raw milk

Health officials say pasteurization is the only effective way to eliminate germs in raw milk.

Man found shot to death in St. Paul's Frogtown neighborhood

Neighbors had reported multiple shots fired.
Metro Transit light-rail service at the Warehouse District/Hennepin Avenue Station in downtown Minneapolis.

Met Council pauses funding agreements for Southwest, Blue Line Extension light rail

Council members want more time to look at the financial picture before signing off on the latest funding arrangements with Hennepin County.
A Burnsville woman’s car was pelted with fecal-like matter last spring while she was waiting at a coffee shop drive-thru.

The spring 'poop rain' remains a mystery, as Angie Craig pushes for an investigation

The fecal matter likely came from a plane, but how did it happen? At least five people in the south metro reported being rained on this spring.
Zita, a three-year-old German shorthaired pointer, works at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport for the Transportation Security Administrat

Zita, MSP's favorite pooch, fails to advance in TSA's Cutest Canine contest

But she's still a very good dog.
Zita, a three-year-old German Shorthair Pointer, is in the running for TSA’s Cutest Canine competition. She works at MSP Airport.

Vote: Minnesota dog in the running for cutest TSA pup

Zita, a three-year-old German shorthaired pointer who works at MSP Airport, is competing for TSA's Cutest Canine against three other pups nationwide.
The Southwest light-rail line will ultimately connect Union Depot in St. Paul to Eden Prairie through downtown Minneapolis.

Met Council, Hennepin County reach agreement to close Southwest LRT shortfall

Under the agreement, Hennepin County would bear the majority of costs, with help from Met Council and federal funding.
Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2023, at the Lake Street/Midtown Blue Line station in Minneapolis. ]

Lake Street/Midtown Station cleaning up its act as Metro Transit takes proactive approach to crime

Increased police and security presence has been added to busy Blue Line station.
Freddie Bell, general manager of KMOJ, worked on producing a future show Tuesday at the broadcast studio in Minneapolis.

KMOJ could be in the way of Blue Line light rail expansion into north Minneapolis

The radio station's home was among possible targets for demolition to make way for the Blue Line extension when transit planners released a map for a future light-rail station in north Minneapolis.
The ongoing push to improve safety aboard Metro Transit’s vast bus and light-rail system comes as ridership steadily climbs.

Metro Transit crime is up, but police say they're making progress

Police say they're responding more and documenting incidents.
Metropolitan Council Chair Charlie Zelle was appointed by Gov. Tim Walz, and all members of the regional planning body are appointed by the governor.

Task force formed to consider Met Council changes is taking shape

The Southwest LRT debacle has fueled new efforts to retool the council.
The proposed Blue Line extension will link the Mall of America with Brooklyn Park.

Grassroots groups team up to oppose big Twin Cities area transit projects

Routes of Blue Line LRT extension, Purple Line BRT may change after community outcry.
Lesley Kandaras, new Metro Transit general manager

There's a new face for Metro Transit, and it's female

Lesley Kandaras was named general manager Thursday, the first woman to permanently fill the top post.
MnDOT keeps its four airplanes at St. Paul Downtown Airport, formerly known as Holman Field. The transportation department will purchase two newer air

MnDOT to replace two planes

Yes, the Minnesota transportation agency uses "heavy-duty pickups in the sky."
Beyoncé performed at what is now Huntington Bank Stadium at the University of Minnesota in 2016 during her Formation World Tour. She returns on July

A new challenge for Metro Transit: Beyoncé

Queen Bey descends upon Huntington Bank Stadium at the University of Minnesota on July 20.
Construction work continued on the Southwest light rail project in Hopkins in May.

Southwest LRT builder fires back on audit

Contractor says watchdog agency's recommendations would have resulted in more delays, costs.
The C Line arterial bus rapid transit service between Minneapolis and Brooklyn Center is one of three such lines in the Metro Transit system.

Safety measures, BRT help Metro Transit ridership surge this year

Met Council officials say the numbers indicate a steady return of passengers after ridership was decimated during the pandemic, but the new numbers are still half of what they were pre-COVID.
Metro Transit has launched a free-fare program on Route 32 and 62 buses through Dec. 31, 2024.

Metro Transit experimenting with free fares on two bus routes to win back riders

Advocates cheer the concept, but others wonder how cities will be able to pay for free transit.
Construction work on the Southwest light-rail project in Hopkins.

Met Council must reform construction practices after Southwest LRT debacle, state watchdog says

The extension project has been fraught with delays and cost overruns.
Teto Wilson cut the hair of Bernard Beamon while chatting with Audua Pugh on Friday about the coming Blue Line extension at Wilson’s Image in north

North Minneapolis businesses concerned about Blue Line LRT

Some worry the line will displace residents and businesses, like Rondo in the 1960s. Others are more optimistic.
Felix Leiter, with his support dog Lola in tow, waited in line Thursday at Delta Air Lines’ check-in counter at the Minneapolis-St. Paul Internation

Five things to know about air travel at MSP this summer

Minnesotans this weekend are expected to open the summer travel season by taking to the skies and roadways in droves. Here are five things to know about air travel at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport this summer.
Travelers navigated the check-in kiosks at Terminal 1 at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport on Thursday.

Minnesotans to jump-start summer this Memorial Day in the air and on the road

Just be ready: Airport lines will be long and highways will be jammed.
Indexing the gas tax to inflation would boost it by 5 cents over the current 28.5 cents a gallon by 2027.

Legislature passes $1.3B transportation deal with gas tax hike, sending it to Walz

Debate throughout the session has centered on how to fund much-needed fixes to the state's roads, bridges and public transit systems.
Democrats’ agreement to index the gas tax to inflation has been blasted by Republicans.

Minnesota DFL legislators agree to index gas tax to inflation

Democrats struck a transportation budget deal they say raises funding long-term.

Scott Anderson, longtime North Memorial CEO, dies at 83

Colleagues said he transformed the north metro health system, keeping it independent.

SWLRT builder attributes problems to faulty design, criticizes state probe

Lunda McCrossan Joint Venture says the legislative auditor either "misrepresented" or "twisted" facts in its reports on the project.
Metro Transit Police officers patroled the Blue Line in Minneapolis, Minn., on Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. The story will explore issues facing both the

Crime on Metro Transit buses and light rail is up 66%

"We must hold people accountable for their behavior," says Ernest Morales III, the agency's new police chief.
Metropolitan Council Chair Charlie Zelle

Senate committee approves Zelle for second term as Met Council chair

The full Senate must vote on his reappointment as head of the regional planning agency.
The Orange Line rapid bus arrives at the I-35 and 46th Street station for the morning commute in Minneapolis, Minn., on Friday, April 7, 2023.

Metro Transit: Expanding bus service is the key to post-pandemic rebound

But bus driver shortage, remote work and crime may tamp down demand.
Elected officials posed with a ceremonial check for $239,345,549 for group photos Tuesday, April 11, 2023 St. Paul, Federal Transit Administrator Nuri

Feds contribute $239M to Gold Line linking St. Paul, Woodbury

The result will be the first bus-rapid transit project in Minnesota that will largely operate on a dedicated lane.
Cranes and other heavy equipment building the Southwest light rail line along the Kenilworth Corridor in Minneapolis. When will it all end? Maybe 2027

Audits, overruns and delays: 6 things to know about Southwest LRT line

The Met Council is still saying passenger service between Minneapolis and Eden Prairie will begin in 2027.
Lime says its new scooters are less tippy when parked, reducing sidewalk clutter.

Just in time for a weather warmup, scooters return to St. Paul

Minneapolis is not far behind, according to scooter firm Lime.
The scene after a BNSF train carrying ethanol and corn syrup derailed and caught fire in the west-central Minnesota town of Raymond.

Minnesota lawmakers seek to tighten rail safety

Raymond rail accident gives measure at State Capitol more urgency.
Bikers last year enjoyed a stretch of the Bruce Vento Trail that intersects with the Gateway Trail in Maplewood.

New option would move Purple Line buses off part of Vento Trail onto White Bear Avenue

Intense public engagement, opposition led to possible new route.
Ernest Morales III got hugs from Metro Transit police officers after he was sworn in Wednesday as the new Metro Transit police chief.

New Metro Transit police chief on public safety: 'We have to strike a balance'

Ernest Morales III says the transit system needs to strike a balance in making riders feel safe without victimizing the homeless and addicted.
Charlie Zelle, chair of the Metropolitan Council, was twice appointed by Gov. Tim Walz. Many lawmakers think that members of the regional planning bod

Efforts to reform Met Council gaining ground, thanks to Metro Transit troubles

Ideas range from staggered terms to electing members.
Work at the Green Line Bryn Mawr Station continues Wednesday, March 15, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minn. The station will be connectedĂŠto Penn Avenue South

Met Council wasn't transparent about Southwest light-rail costs, delays, auditor says

The Metropolitan Council went ahead with the $2.7 billion Southwest light-rail project despite knowing it did not have the funds necessary to complete the line linking Minneapolis and Eden Prairie, according to a report released Wednesday morning by the Office of the Legislative Auditor.