Transit Advantages

Bus Lanes

When buses are slowed by traffic, it has a real impact on our customers. Bus lanes improve the speed and reliability of service by allowing buses to bypass traffic congestion. The decision to create a dedicated bus lane is based on a combination of factors, with special emphasis on transit volume and demand, including future demand, and the potential to reduce delay. Most bus lanes are in use 24/7, while some are only used during certain hours.

Bus lane locations:

  • Hennepin Avenue South
  • Hennepin Avenue East/1st Avenue NE
  • Lake Street
  • 7th Street
  • 5th/6th streets in St. Paul

Which routes use bus lanes and transitways?

  • METRO B Line: ​Bus lanes are located on Lake St. and Lagoon Ave. between West Bde Maka Ska and the Mississippi Bridge, providing transit priority in one or both directions across Minneapolis.
  • METRO C Line & D Line and other local and express service: ​Bus lanes are located in downtown Minneapolis on South 7th St. between Chicago Ave. and 1st Ave. N. Note: not all bus lanes are painted red.
  • METRO E Line​: Bus lanes are located along Hennepin Ave. S. between Lagoon Ave. and Franklin Ave., and Summit Ave. S. and Dunwoody Blvd. as well as on East Hennepin Ave. and 1st Ave. NE between SE Main St. and 7th St. NE.
  • METRO Gold Line: Transitways are located north of I-94.
  • METRO Orange Line: along the Marquette and 2nd avenues corridors in downtown Minneapolis and at stations along I-35W.