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Bus Rapid Transit

Bus Rapid Transit projects

People departing an A Line bus at station

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is a package of transit enhancements that adds up to a faster trip and an improved experienceWatch a video about BRT service.

Five BRT lines already provide transit service in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area:
  • The METRO Orange Line follows I-35W between Burnsville and downtown Minneapolis.
  • The METRO Red Line travels on Cedar Avenue between Apple Valley and Mall of America.
  • The METRO A Line travels mainly along Snelling Avenue and 46th Street, linking Rosedale with the METRO Blue Line’s 46th Street Station.
  • The METRO C Line travels mainly along Penn Avenue, linking downtown Minneapolis with Brooklyn Center Transit Center.
  • The METRO D Line links Brooklyn Center Transit Center and Mall of America, serving north Minneapolis, downtown Minneapolis, Richfield, and Bloomington along the way.

Watch a video about why people like BRT.

Metro Transit is expanding the network of BRT lines: 

  • The METRO B Line on Lake Street and Marshall and Selby avenues is advancing through project engineering and is scheduled to open in 2024.
  • The METRO E Line on Hennepin and France avenues is also advancing through project engineering and is planned to open in 2025.
  • The METRO Gold Line will connect St. Paul, Maplewood, Landfall, Oakdale, and Woodbury generally along I-94 and is scheduled to open in 2025.
  • The METRO F Line on Central and University avenues is advancing through project planning and is scheduled to open in 2026.
  • The METRO Purple Line will connect St. Paul, Maplewood, Vadnais Heights, Gem Lake, White Bear Township, and White Bear Lake and is scheduled to open in 2026.
  • The METRO G Line on Rice and Robert streets is advancing through project planning and is scheduled to open in 2027.

 

A faster trip

BRT is faster than standard local bus service. Here’s how:

  • Buses make fewer stops, significantly speeding up travel time. It helps buses stay better in sync with traffic flow.

  • Ticket machines at stations allow customers to purchase tickets before boarding. There’s no need to line up at the farebox.
  • Low-floor buses and raised curbs at stations, plus wider bus doors and boarding from the front and back, speed up boarding.
  • Extending the curb at stations saves time. Buses can merge more easily into traffic after serving a station.
  • Signal priority allows buses to move through traffic lights a bit faster.
  • Some projects will construct lanes dedicated only to transit buses

A more comfortable experience

Enhanced shelters at BRT stations provide protection from the weather and a safe, comfortable and convenient customer waiting space. Features include:

  • NexTrip signs
  • Bike racks
  • Information about the route, transit system and surrounding area
  • Security cameras
  • Emergency phones
  • Enhanced lighting
  • Push-button heating
  • Ticket machines for buying a ticket using cash or credit card
  • Litter and recycling containers