Changes aimed at strengthening connections to METRO Green Line, expanding access in Plymouth, Golden Valley
Members of the public are invited to submit comments now through Sunday, Oct. 4, on proposed transit service changes aimed at strengthening bus connections to stations along the extension of METRO Green Line and on the Highway 55 corridor in Golden Valley and Plymouth.
As proposed, the changes would put 14,000 additional people within a half mile of a route with trips at least every 30 minutes throughout the day.
“Extending the Green Line will significantly expand access to frequent, reliable transit, and enhancing bus service along the corridor will only further its reach,” General Manager Lesley Kandaras said.
The proposed changes include:
• Extensions of routes 46 and 705 to connect to new Green Line stations.
• The introduction of a new route 617 that would run between the Green Line’s Wooddale Station and the METRO E Line’s 44th Street and France Station.
• Expanded daily service on Route 38, which would provide trips every 20 minutes to Highland Park.
Plans also call for the introduction of a new Route 757 serving Plymouth City Center, retail and the Golden Valley City Hall off Golden Valley Road, downtown Minneapolis and the University of Minnesota. Trips between Plymouth and downtown Minneapolis would run every 30 minutes every day, the first time that all-day service has been provided in the Highway 55 corridor.
After receiving public comments this fall, the Metropolitan Council will be asked in November to endorse them in the form of an amendment to Network Now, Metro Transit’s service improvement framework.
Since it was endorsed by the Met Council in March 2025, nearly half of the changes outlined in the framework have been implemented. Changes proposed under the Network Now amendment would take effect in 2027.
Service on the 14.5-mile extension of the Green Line will begin in 2027. An opening date will be announced this fall.
Under Governor Walz's leadership, investments made during the historic 2023 legislative session have resulted in a stronger foundation for transit operations and long-term maintenance support.
The public is invited to review and comment on the plans at upcoming meetings. Those are scheduled for:
• Wednesday, Sept. 16, 6-7 p.m., Hopkins Center for the Arts, 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins
• Monday, Sept. 21, 6-7 p.m., Linden Hills Recreation Center, 3100 W 43rd St., Minneapolis
• Wednesday, Sept. 23, 6-7 p.m., Golden Valley City Hall, 7800 Golden Valley Rd, Golden Valley
A virtual meeting will also be held from noon to 1 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 24.
Learn more about the proposed changes at metrotransit.org/network-now.
On-demand service will also enhance Green Line connections
To further enhance Green Line connections, on-demand microtransit service, Metro micro, will also begin in the Minnetonka area and be expanded in north Minneapolis to connect to the Bryn Mawr and Bassett Creek Valley stations. These improvements are already included in Network Now.
Contact: Laura Baenen, [email protected]