New Transit Line to Bridge Key Areas
The METRO B Line, providing frequent all-day bus service between downtown St. Paul and the Uptown area of Minneapolis, is set to launch on Saturday, June 14. This 13-mile bus rapid transit (BRT) line promises to significantly enhance the connectivity and efficiency of public transportation in the area.
On launch day, the community can participate in events from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at two key locations: Lake Street and Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis and the Union Depot East Plaza in St. Paul. A ceremonial ribbon-cutting will take place at the Depot, marking the official opening, and riders will benefit from free travel on the B Line throughout the day, facilitated by Midtown Global Market.
Expansion of Transit Network
The B Line is the second of three new Metro Transit BRT lanes that are scheduled to open by 2025, following the Gold Line, which debuted on March 22, and in anticipation of the E Line, scheduled for Dec. 6. By 2035, the local transportation network will expand to include at least 15 BRT lines, enhancing the mobility of the region's residents.
Improved Connectivity and Speed
Connecting with nine existing and planned light rail (LRT) and BRT lines, the B Line aims to streamline transit routes to major destinations including St. Paul Central and Minneapolis South high schools, St. Paul College, Concordia University, and popular markets like Midtown Global Market and Mercado Central. The line will serve 33 stations, with many of these shared with the Gold Line, effectively replacing Route 21, which has been the busiest local bus service for Metro Transit, boasting over 7,000 average weekday riders as of March.
Notably, the B Line is designed to offer travel times that are approximately 20% faster than current services, with reduced stops and dedicated bus-only lanes in strategic locations. This will enable quicker boarding at any of its three doors and allow passengers to pay prior to boarding, minimizing delays commonly associated with traditional bus services.
Sensitive to Community Needs
The B Line project comes in response to significant demand along a transit corridor that historically sees buses carry only a small fraction of total vehicle traffic while providing transportation to 20% of those traveling on Lake Street. It also serves a diverse demographic, with over half of the Route 21 users identifying as Black, Indigenous, or people of color (BIPOC), highlighting the importance of improving transit access for marginalized communities. Over 100,000 residents live within a 10-minute walk of the new service, with a significant percentage of BIPOC individuals among them.
Safety and Infrastructure Improvements
Major investments have been made to improve safety and functionality along Lake Street, recognized as one of the highest crash corridors in Minneapolis. Collaborations between Hennepin County, the City of Minneapolis, and Metro Transit have allocated over $25 million towards improvements that include bus-only lanes and transit signal prioritization to enhance the flow of buses through intersections.
Additionally, Ramsey County and the City of St. Paul contributed approximately $1 million for traffic signal upgrades and lane adjustments on Marshall Avenue to further bolster safety and efficiency for all street users.
Future Growth of METRO Network
With the impending launch of the E Line, the METRO network will expand to more than 120 miles, providing access to critical services and areas, including 38% of the region's car-free households and a significant portion of renter households and jobs. This development underlines an ongoing commitment to making public transportation a more viable option for urban living.
Those interested in learning more about the B Line can find additional information by visiting the METRO Transit website.
Bias Analysis
Key Questions About This Article
