Just in time for the spring break crush, travelers who park at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport have a new place to leave their vehicles, and at a discounted price.
The airport's new Quick Ride Ramp opened Tuesday and it's 1,400 spaces were definitely needed as the ramp at the main terminal was completely full before noon.
Located off of Post Road and Hwy. 5 near a Super America station, the two-story ramp formerly used by Delta Air Lines employees was converted to public parking to ease the crunch at main terminal, said Arlie Johnson, the Metropolitan Airports Commission's assistant director of operations.
Parking at the lot is $14 a day for those who pay by credit card, which is $8 less than parking at the main terminal. Shuttles run 24 hours between the ramp and the main terminal. The ride will take about 5 minutes. Shuttles do not serve Terminal 2/Humphrey where parking is usually available at the same $14 a day rate.
Travelers who park at Terminal 2/Humphrey can reach the main terminal by riding a light-rail train at no cost.
March is the busiest month for parking at the airport, Johnson said with the ramp connected to Terminal 1 usually at capacity on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The ramp with 14,000 spaces normally has room for vehicles on other days of the week.
"We can't accommodate them here, so that is the reason this other ramp is now in service" Johnson said. "This is to spread out the demand and give customers another parking option and price option."
Information on parking availability at Terminal 1, Terminal 2 and the new Quick Ride Lot is available by calling 1-877-359-7275, texting 444555 or on the airport's Sure Park site, www.mspairport.com/parking/surepark.aspx
