We want to hear from you about proposed service enhancements in the 2026 Update. Attend an upcoming community meeting and let us know what you think, or fill out this comment form
Review the proposed changes and comment on the proposed 2026 Update by Oct. 4.
We will host community meetings in September to discuss the proposed service enhancements and answer your questions. See the meeting details below:
Wednesday, Sept. 16: 6 – 7 p.m.
Hopkins Center for the Arts (1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins, MN 55343)Monday, Sept. 21: 6 – 7 p.m.
Linden Hills Recreation Center (3100 W. 43rd St., Minneapolis, MN 55410)Get there on METRO E Line or Route 36
Wednesday, Sept. 23: 6 – 7 p.m.
Golden Valley City Hall (7800 Golden Valley Rd., Golden Valley, MN 55427)Get there on Route 755
Thursday, Sept. 24: Noon – 1 p.m.
Online via Microsoft Teams
Network Now is a vision for transit service that best meets the needs of our region. This framework guides improvements to grow ridership, enhance mobility, and meet travel needs. The framework represents the region’s top priorities for transit as captured in robust community engagement and feedback, policy guidance, and technical evaluation. Network Now responds to the priorities outlined in Metro Transit Forward, Metro Transit’s strategic plan, by delivering on service goals.
When fully implemented, the Network Now framework will:
Expand transit service by more than 40% to help attract more riders
Improve access by providing new bus routes and Metro micro service
Modify commuter and express service to meet today’s travel patterns
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging transit use
The Network Now Framework was endorsed by the Met Council in March 2025. We are now implementing Network Now through quarterly service changes. As of August 2026, approximately 50% of service growth identified on the Network Now Framework has been implemented.
Current Status: 2026 Update
Metro Transit sees a unique opportunity to capitalize on new analysis and lessons learned from the initial implementation of the Network Now Framework to align plans with service needs and available operator resources. The 2026 Update to Network Now focuses primarily on service enhancements in two key corridors, primarily in the western and southwestern suburbs.
The METRO Green Line Extension will begin service in 2027, offering an opportunity to further enhance the connecting bus service to nine of the 16 new light rail stations.
Routes 36, 38, 46, 615, and 705 would see adjusted routing and/or frequency improvements to better connect to the expanded Green Line.
Route 617 is a proposed new route that would provide 60-minute service every day to better connect southwest Minneapolis with Minnetonka, Hopkins, and St. Louis Park.
The single weekday round trip on Route 25L would be discontinued.
The Highway 55 corridor extending west from Minneapolis through the west metro is an emerging corridor that was the focus of a transit study to improve transit options and help build overall corridor ridership.
Route 757 is a proposed new route that would provide all day service between Plymouth, Golden Valley, and downtown Minneapolis, with extended hourly trips to the University of Minnesota on weekdays.
Routes 30, 705, 716, and 758 will experience adjusted routing and/or frequency improvements. Routes 705, 716, and 755 would also see certain segments discontinued.
Read through the summary document that has details for each route.
When will these changes be implemented?
Most of the proposed changes under the 2026 Update will be implemented by the end of 2027. Overall, our hiring efforts continue to be positive, but at a more modest pace than anticipated when Network Now was approved in 2025. We now anticipate hiring enough bus operators to complete the implementation of all Network Now service improvements by the end of 2028. This allows us to maintain timely delivery of high-quality service enhancements while also accommodating the current hiring environment.
Ready to make a difference in your community? Metro Transit is hiring! See our Careers page for more information.
2026 current Network Now implementation underway
March 2026 saw improved frequency on routes 17, 22, 94, and 270. Also, routes 25 and 804 were restructured.
June 2026 saw improved service north of Northtown on routes 25, 802, 805, 827, and 850.
August 2026 saw new routes 48 and 215 begin operation, as well as Better Bus Routes improvements begin for routes 14 and 74.
A new Metro micro zone is expected to open in the Brooklyn Park area October 1, 2026.
Network Now look ahead:
METRO Gold Line Extension
METRO Green Line Extension & connecting bus service (focus of 2026 Update)
METRO G Line (Phase 1)
Highway 55 improvements (focus of 2026 Update)
Final phase of Renew the Blue replacement bus service
4 new Metro micro zones
10-minute frequency span improvements
U of M service improvements
Express service improvements
East metro route restructuring
How to comment on proposed updates
Use this comment form to provide comments on the proposed changes within the 2026 Update scope.
Stay connected
Subscribe to Network Now updates to get project news delivered to your inbox or contact Metro Transit staff below to learn more.
Project contact
Kaydee Kirk
Community Outreach
[email protected]