Twins fans taking light rail home Thursday from Target Field following the season opener are being asked to be patient, as boarding on each train remains limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Starting Monday, Metro Transit expanded the number of seated passengers on each light-rail car to 33, with a maximum of 99 riders on a three-car Blue or Green Line train. That's half the seated riders allowed on the trains before the pandemic, but double the limit under recent COVID restrictions.

Passengers are still expected to wear masks aboard public transit.

Twins fans boarding at Target Field Station should expect to line up to board light rail, and the number of people will be metered by Metro Transit, said spokeswoman Laura Baenen. Transit officials will be at the station to help guide passengers following the game, she said.

About 1,000 people normally take light rail to Twins games. Because only 10,000 fans are expected to attend the opener against the Seattle Mariners, Metro Transit is estimating that 500 to 700 passengers will rely on LRT on Thursday.

Passengers at other stations in downtown Minneapolis — including Warehouse District/Hennepin Avenue, Nicollet Mall, Government Center and U.S. Bank Stadium — will not be metered following the Twins game.

Jerry Holt - Star Tribune
Twins fans got of the train at Target Field during the third game of the ALDS playoffs at Target Field .] Jerry Holt • Jerry.holt@startribune.com The Minnesota Twins hosted the New York Yankees in the third game of the ALDS Monday Oct. 07, 2019. Minneapolis, MN. Jerry Holt

Janet Moore