Press Releases

Buses replacing light rail trains June 29 to August 19 to allow for Blue Line maintenance and upgrades

Posted  |  Jun 24, 2026

Buses replacing light rail trains June 29 to August 19 to allow for Blue Line maintenance and upgrades

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Buses will replace light rail trains this summer along the full length of the METRO Blue Line and on the far west end of the METRO Green Line to allow for maintenance and upgrades that will result in a more reliable and user-friendly experience for riders.

On the Blue Line, buses will replace trains between Mall of America and Target Field stations between Monday, June 29, and Wednesday, Aug. 19, to allow for maintenance activities along the 22-year-old light rail line.

Buses will replace Green Line trains between West Bank and Target Field stations between Wednesday, July 1, and Sunday, July 26, and between Sunday, Aug. 16, and Wednesday, Aug. 19.

While construction is underway, 60-foot replacement buses will stop at or near closed stations every 15 minutes. Some boarding locations have been moved to Hiawatha Avenue to help speed up replacement bus service, and staff will be out throughout the construction period to assist riders.

Green Line customers who would normally transfer to a southbound Blue Line train at U.S. Bank Stadium Station are encouraged to catch a replacement bus at West Bank Station.

“We recognize that this needed maintenance work will be disruptive to riders, but once completed, the work we do this summer will help improve the customer experience for years to come,” General Manager Lesley Kandaras said.

To prepare for the switch to replacement buses, riders are encouraged to review replacement bus stops and schedules, to plan extra travel time and to review alternative transit options.

In addition to replacement buses, Blue Line customers can use the METRO D Line and routes 7, 9, and 22. On the Green Line, the METRO E Line is a good option, running from Stadium Village to downtown Minneapolis and points south.

Riders can visit Metro Transit’s website for more information. For help planning trips, riders can by call 612-373-3333 or text 612-444-1161.

Project will lead to smoother, more reliable ride

Buses are replacing trains so crews can replace sections of worn track and outdated equipment used to guide train movements. Nearly every Blue Line station will also see some form of improvement, such as new real-time signs and shelter glass.

After this work is complete, riders will enjoy a smoother and more reliable ride, and more welcoming, customer-friendly stations.

The work is part of a multi-year effort, Renew the Blue, that began in 2025 and will continue in 2027 with planned renovations of the Lake Street/Midtown and Franklin Avenue stations.

This level of maintenance is not unusual after 22 years of service, especially in a place like Minnesota where harsh winters have a greater impact on tracks and other equipment.

Green Line train service will be available for big events

Construction is occurring this summer so work can wrap up before ridership picks up in the fall when school resumes and more people head back to the office.

To accommodate major events, Green Line service to downtown Minneapolis will resume between Monday, July 27, and Saturday, Aug. 15. In addition to eight Twins and five Lynx games, major events during this timeframe include:

  • WWE Summer Slam at U.S. Bank Stadium (Aug. 1, 2)

  • Noah Kahan at Target Field (Aug. 5)

  • Savannah Bananas at Target Field (Aug. 7, 8, 9)

  • Ed Sheeran (Aug. 15) at U.S. Bank Stadium

Additional Blue Line replacement buses will be available at the conclusion of these events to accommodate larger crowds.

Stay informed

To raise awareness of construction, Metro Transit has spent months connecting with riders and partners. All are invited to stay informed by following Metro Transit on social media and by signing up for a project newsletter.

Contact: Drew Kerr, [email protected], 651-387-3928