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Metro Transit withdraws plans for Robbinsdale extension

Metro Transit has withdrawn its proposal to operate Route 19 buses on Victory Memorial Parkway in Minneapolis en route to the Robbinsdale Transit Center.

The revised routing was initially approved in early 2008 following public hearings on a broader transit restructuring in north Minneapolis and the northwest metro. (See Northwest Metro Transit Restructuring Concept Plan.)

Metro Transit has been operating temporary Route 19 service to downtown Robbinsdale, primarily along Thomas Avenue and Lake Drive, since last summer.

On Jan. 22, 2009, Metro Transit hosted a well-attended community meeting on the extension plan. At the meeting were representatives from the cities of Minneapolis and Robbinsdale and the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board, which oversees portions of Victory Memorial Parkway.

“Given the concerns of residents about where transit service operates, we are unable to identify a feasible option that would retain service on 42nd Avenue and extend service to downtown Robbinsdale,” General Manager Brian Lamb said in a letter to affected residents. “Moreover, with a significant deficit for transit operations looming, we cannot invest additional resources in this route.”