Network Now Framework

Network Now Framework Results

Metro Transit received nearly 1,600 comments during the Network Now Draft concept plan public feedback period. More than 420 hours were spent onboard buses and trains and at transit centers directly where staff talked to or handed material to over 4,000 customers. We heard that people overall like the direction of the plan. In particular, people we heard from indicated support for:

  • Investments in the METRO network, speed and reliability initiatives, and in demonstrated markets where ridership can grow
  • Emphasis on all-day service meeting a variety of needs, route simplification
  • Desire for express service that operates for more of the day, giving people better options

Many of the comments received included requests for transit improvements. People primarily requested:

  • More frequency, late-night service, and suburb-to-suburb connections
  • Additional microtransit services

Framework Overview

Changes from the concept plan include frequency improvements on 48 routes, restoration of seven routes, and adding significant new coverage on three routes. These modifications support the Network Now guiding principles and respond to the public comment period feedback in a variety of ways:

  • Additional METRO lines and frequency improvements are ways to make investments in existing markets that already demonstrate strong ridership 
  • More consistent midday service on Key Express Network routes provides additional opportunities for travel outside rush hours between downtown Minneapolis and some suburban areas. 
  • The frequency changes provide more service and improve transfer connections
  • Span-of-service improvements will benefit customers wanting to travel in the early morning and late-night hours, and the modified route restructurings make suburb-to-suburb trips easier.

Types of changes by route

Job access by time of day

The Network Now Framework increases access to jobs across all service windows over pre-pandemic and baseline levels of service. The increase in job access on Sunday is particularly notable. Learn more about Metro Transit's Title VI Equity Analysis here.

METRO Network

The METRO network, which includes arterial bus rapid transit, highway bus rapid transit, and light rail transitways, represents a significant portion of Metro Transit’s planned investment in regional transit service. The Network Now Framework includes frequency and span improvements on existing transitways, as well as the implementation of four new bus rapid transitways and the extension of one light rail corridor.

Frequency of Service

Network Now expands the number of routes with high frequency service (every 15 minutes or better) on weekdays and Saturdays. New high frequency service will be available on Gold Line, Green Line Extension, B Line, E Line, G Line, and routes 14, 17, 58, 74, 515, and 724, as well as the restructured Route 64.

Summary of weekday midday frequency

The Network Now Framework includes a more significant reduction in express bus service, particularly in the outer parts of the region where many routes have been suspended since March 2020. Most of the service discontinued (shown in red) has not operated in at least three years. There are limited areas where service runs currently that will see discontinued service compared to December 2023 (shown in orange). Frequency for each route is shown at the route level, so certain segments or branches may offer fewer trips.

Commuter and Express Routes

The Key Express Network provides all-day service and will include routes 250, 270, 673, 768, and 850, shown in purple. Customers who travel to a Park & Ride served by a Key Express Network route will be offered service every 15 minutes or better during rush hour and also have midday service. Other changes to commuter-oriented routes include:

  • Expand service to the University of Minnesota:
  • New Route 352 will be added serving Woodbury to replace Route 355U trips
  • One additional trip in each direction will be added on Route 252 in Blaine
  • Additional frequency will be provided on Route 115, which provides service to south Minneapolis
  • Service restoration on eight routes that are currently suspended: Routes 115, 134, 156, 579, 587, 652, 765, and 860 

Microtransit

Metro micro is the Met Council’s shared ride, curb-to-curb microtransit service allowing customers to be picked up and dropped off at any location within a designated service area. The program initially began as a 24-month pilot within a single north Minneapolis zone, and the program was extended permanently in October 2024. Expansion zones are planned to be piloted as part of a phased process, with a goal of up to two new zones implemented each year through 2027. New pilot zones in the Roseville and Woodbury areas were launched in January 2025.

Discontinued Service

Metro Transit suspended service on 60 bus routes and segments of 18 other routes starting in 2020. The Network Now Framework includes restoration of a limited number of bus routes and discontinuation of others. Route restoration is considered based on performance and public input, as well as service design and the presence of alternatives.