Metro Transit previews new Bus Rapid Transit routes

With several projects in the works, Metro Transit rolled out a tour of their rapid bus transit. WCCO's Ari Bergeron took it all in and explains how they're increasingly serving popular Twin Cities' routes.

Ridership is up says Metro Transit General Manager Leslie Kandaris.

"In 2023, compared to 2022, ridership grew about 16%," Kandaris says.

And it's only expected to grow says Deputy GM Nick Thompson.

"We have multiple metro transit projects in planning," Thompson explains.

There are two major Bus Rapid Transit routes under construction. Combined, nearly 220,000 people live within a 10-minute walk, bike, or roll of B Line and E Line stations. More than one in 10 households on these corridors does not have access to a vehicle according to Metro Transit data.

"The E Line is a 13.3-mile corridor running from Southdale where we started and then on to University Avenue is where it ends up." says Metro Transit's Katie Roth. "B Line, that will be an upgrade to about 21 running between Uptown Minneapolis and Downtown St. Paul."

Then there's the Gold line, a 10-mile stretch in the east metro.

"It goes from downtown St. Paul to the east metro through Maplewood, Oakdale, Landfall and ends in Woodbury," explains Thompson. "It will be opening on March 22nd, 2025."

The B Line will open June of next year, while the E Line will open in December of 2025. You can visit Metro Transit's website for updates on construction along these routes.

“Everyone benefits when we invest in better bus service,” General Manager Lesley Kandaras said. "Riders get to their destinations faster and more reliably, streets become safer and less congested, and access expands to jobs, entertainment, shopping and other destinations.”