Metro Transit works with community members, elected officials, cities and federal partners to build tomorrow's transportation system. Here are several projects that will enhance transit in the future.
Under construction/In design
> METRO Green Line (Central Corridor Light-Rail Project)
This line will link downtown Minneapolis, the University of Minnesota and downtown St. Paul. Service is expected to begin in 2014.
> Central Corridor Transit Service Plan
In conjunction with the opening of the Central light-rail project, bus service will be restructured. The study and planning process, employing plenty of public input, will ensure that mobility is retained or improved for residents and businesses within a half-mile of the line.
> Southwest Transitway
The proposed Southwest Transitway would link the southwest metro with downtown Minneapolis, traveling in Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, Edina, Hopkins and St. Louis Park.
> The Interchange
The Interchange adjacent to Target Field is planned as a regional multi-modal transportation hub to improve access and travel connections for trains, buses, automobiles, bicyclists and pedestrians.
> Maplewood Mall Park & Ride Expansion
The Maplewood Mall Park & Ride location is expanding. Construction is underway on a ramp and parking lot that will accommodate nearly 1,000 additional free parking spaces when it opens in the summer of 2013.
> Hwy. 610 & Noble Parkway Park & Ride
A new Park & Ride facility will be built near the northwest corner of Highway 610 and Noble Parkway and open in 2014. A popular existing surface lot across Noble Parkway will be replaced with the new and improved facility.
> Snelling Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)
An urban bus rapid transit line with improved service and enhanced stations is slated to open in 2015, serving Roseville, Falcon Heights, St. Paul and south Minneapolis.
Transit project analysis underway now
> I-35W Transit/Access Project
Hennepin County, the City of Minneapolis, Metro Transit and MnDOT are proposing transit- and transportation-related improvements near I-35W, Lake Street and the Midtown Greenway, including a transit station and freeway ramp improvements.
> City of Minnetonka Transit Study
Metro Transit, in cooperation with the City of Minnetonka, is conducting a study to identify potential bus service changes in the city. This study will build upon the city’s transit vision and goals, which were recently developed in a separate, city-led study.
> West Suburban Service Changes
Metro Transit has proposed local service improvements and express route restructuring in the communities of Minnetonka, Hopkins, St. Louis Park, Deephaven, Greenwood, Excelsior, Shorewood and Tonka Bay.
> Midtown Corridor Alternatives Analysis
Metro Transit is leading an alternatives analysis to improve east-west travel in south Minneapolis. The Midtown Greenway and Lake Street will be studied for future bus rapid transit (BRT), streetcar or light-rail transit (LRT) improvements.
> Arterial Transit
New "rapid bus" service is being planned in high-demand urban corridors. These buses stop less and serve stations with enhance customer information and fare payment machines so travel speeds are much faster than local service.
> Nicollet-Central Transit Alternatives Study
The City of Minneapolis is studying potential transit enhancements on Nicollet and Central avenues. The study will determine the benefits, costs and impacts of implementing a variety of transit modes and service types, including streetcar and enhanced bus options, along the corridor.
> METRO Orange Line Bus Rapid Transit
The METRO Orange Line will use roadway improvements, upgraded transit stations and improved Bus Rapid Transit service to provide a fast, frequent and reliable all-day route along I-35W between Minneapolis and Burnsville.
Moving the community forward with technology and green operations
> Transit Technologies
Learn about innovations that improve your trip, such as real-time bus departure information, "smart" Park & Ride facilities, communication between buses and traffic signals and buses that announce their location.
> Go Greener Initiative
By using hybrid buses and the latest generation of clean fuels, Metro Transit is helping the Twin Cities save more than the price of gas.
> Transit Advantages
Transit works best when it can avoid general traffic congestion. Here's how Metro Transit keeps you moving.
> Adopt-A-Shelter
Individuals, businesses and community groups can show their neighborhood pride by caring for a transit stop near them.
Long-range planning
> Proposed policies related to Title VI
The Met Council is seeking public comment on proposed policies to define procedures related to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color or national origin.
> Transportation Policy Plan
The Metropolitan Council adopted this long-range plan to slow the growth in traffic congestion and improve mobility through construction of transitways.
> Access Minneapolis
The City's 10-year transportation plan addresses improvements for transit, bicycling and walking in downtown.
> Downtown Minneapolis 2025 Plan
This plan was developed by the Minneapolis Downtown Council, with a membership that spans the City and its western suburbs. The 10-point plan calls for a thriving, livable, green, connected, exciting and welcoming downtown.
Previous transit studies
> Urban Partnership Agreement
The metro area received a $133 million federal grant to reduce congestion. Roughly $86 million funded transit projects on I-35, adding two new Park & Ride lots and enhanced technology.
> I-35W & 46th Street Transit Station Study & Plan
Metro Transit restructured bus service in late 2010 to coincide with the opening of a new two-level transit station. The final service plan was influenced by comments received during a public outreach process.
> Northwest Metro Restructuring
In 2009, Metro Transit retooled bus routes in north Minneapolis and the northwestern suburbs. Learn about the process and implementation.
> Central-South Restructuring
Look back at how Metro Transit bus routes were updated in conjunction with the launch of Hiawatha light rail.