Frequently Asked Questions
What is the METRO B Line?
The METRO B Line is a bus rapid transit line, like the A, C, and D lines, that provides faster and more reliable transit service in the Route 21 corridor along Lake Street, Marshall Avenue, and Selby Avenue.
Why was the Route 21 corridor selected for bus rapid transit service?
Before the pandemic, customers took more than 10,000 daily rides on Route 21, making it Metro Transit’s second busiest bus route. Buses carry approximately 20% of people traveling on Lake Street but make up less than 2% of vehicle traffic. Lake Street is also one of the slowest transit corridors in the region. During rush hours, buses move at an average speed of 8 miles per hour. Frequent stops, lines of customers waiting to board, and red lights mean that buses are moving less than half the time.
Previous studies in 2012 and 2014 found that enhanced bus service in the Lake Street corridor would perform well in the corridor. In 2016, this corridor was identified as the B Line project and slated to become the region's fourth arterial bus rapid transit line.
When does the B Line start service?
The B Line began service on Saturday, June 14, 2025.
How much faster is B Line service compared to Route 21?
Approximately 20% faster than Route 21 travel times by stopping less often, allowing customers to board faster, operating in bus-only lanes in some locations, and stopping at fewer red lights. Similar travel time improvements have been achieved on the A Line, C Line, and D Line.
How do B Line service levels compare with the former Route 21?
The B Line provides frequent service all day on weekdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Local bus service on Lake Street operates every 60 minutes on the portion between Hennepin Avenue and Minnehaha Avenue.
A new local bus, Route 72, operates every 30 minutes along Selby Avenue and connect to the Midway area of St. Paul.
Learn more about the B Line supporting network
What do B Line buses look like?
The B Line uses recognizable 60-foot “articulated” buses with wider aisles, more seating capacity, and additional doors so more people can get on and off easily. B Line customers should feel less crowded and more comfortable as they travel.
How are fares collected on the B Line?
B Line customers pay before boarding for faster stops using ticket machines and card readers at the station or the Metro Transit’s app on their smartphone. Customers can enter the bus through any door, speeding up the boarding process.
What features do B Line stations include?
B Line station features include:
• Real-time NexTrip signs with on-demand audible announcements
• Shelter lighting
• Push-button heating
• Containers for garbage and recycling
• Security cameras
• Emergency telephones
• Benches
• Bike parking
What other improvements to Lake Street were made with the B Line project?
Construction of the METRO B Line project provided an opportunity to rethink and improve how Lake Street is used by all who walk, bike, roll, drive, and use transit.
Prior to coordinated work, Lake Street was the highest crash corridor in Minneapolis, and one of the highest in all of Hennepin County. Past studies have found that left turns being made from the shared through-lane have led to many crashes along Lake Street. The changes to Lake Street are expected to reduce crashes and enhance safety for all users.
Street changes were designed by Hennepin County in collaboration with the City of Minneapolis and Metro Transit. These changes were designed to enhance safety for people walking and rolling, improve transit times and reliability, reduce crashes, and enhance the overall user experience for everyone along the corridor.
The Lake Street improvements include:
How was the project funded?
The B Line was funded through a mix of federal, state, and Metropolitan Council funds. The estimated cost of the project is $65 million.
Lake Street improvements were funded through a mix of funding from Hennepin County, the City of Minneapolis, and the federal government, including a $12 million RAISE grant.