For St. Paulites it's getting to be old hat, but Minneapolitans are just getting used to the idea of a new area code tentatively approved by state regulators. The Public Utilities Commission picked 9-5-2 as the new area code for Minneapolis, Richfield and the Fort Snelling area. The move comes a month before callers in St. Paul and other east Twin Cities area communities must begin using the 6-5-1 area code instead of 6-1-2.
We sent Minnesota Public Radio assistant producer Annie Feidt to downtown Minneapolis to gather a non-scientific sample of public reaction to Minneapolitans on the 9-5-2 area code.
Transcripts
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SPEAKER 1: I've been dialing the same number for 41 years. Now I got to change. Let someone else change.
SPEAKER 2: I mean, it's bad enough we have 651 for St. Paul.
SPEAKER 3: Well, if it is a need, if it is necessary, it needs to be done. But it could be confusing for some people that were not aware of it.
SPEAKER 4: If that's what they have to do, it's what they have to do. You know, it's something we have to get used to, I suppose.
SPEAKER 5: Well, I'm all in favor of less area codes for easier dialing.
SPEAKER 6: I really don't care.
SPEAKER 7: There's probably a reason for it, although it doesn't seem to clear why. And it just becomes more of a hassle, having to dial more numbers.
SPEAKER 8: Do you have any thoughts on how 952, just as a number measures up to 612?
SPEAKER 9: No, not really, except that it's very different. 612 kind of rolls off your tongue 952 was a little harder to say.
SPEAKER 10: If they had an area code that was really easy to remember, like 000, then that would be my choice, to change area codes and have a 000, as opposed to 612. Because I mean, that's like 619 in California. You're so close to being in California with a 612 area code.
SPEAKER 11: Keep it a 6. I do have a stand. Keep it a 6.