The Metropolitan Council on Aug. 27 authorized the regional administrator to negotiate and execute seven packages of transit information software and service contracts (24P213A–D) in an amount not to exceed $25,608,547.

Council Member Barbour presented the business item saying the procurement covers the Metro Transit trip planner, rider alerts manager, real-time detour reporting to improve next-departure predictions, and the ability to incorporate Metro micro on-demand service into trip-planning itineraries. "Therefore, mister chair, I move that the Metropolitan Council authorize the regional administrator to negotiate and execute contracts 24P213AThroughD for transit information software in an amount not to exceed $25,608,547," Barbour said.

Council members emphasized the contracts are part of a broader effort to upgrade rider-facing technology and back-end systems; members cited sales-and-use tax revenues as a funding source for technology improvements. After a second and brief remarks, the council approved the contracts by voice vote.

Staff said expected customer benefits include real-time detour data shown in the trip planner and improved next-departure predictions on websites and platform signs. The measures are part of ongoing work to improve rider experience across Metro Transit tools.