> News+Events > Features > Transit - May 2009

Metro Transit bus route restructuring

Second stage of northwest metro routes changes goes into effect May 30

Some bus service in the northwest metropolitan area will change at the end of May, marking the second phase of Metro Transit’s plan to improve routes in an area west of the Mississippi River and north of Highway 55.

Starting May 30, Metro Transit will roll out changes to routes restructured as part of the agency’s plan to meet growing residential and employment needs, changing travel patterns and new demographics.

The first phase of the Northwest Metro Transit Restructuring Plan took effect in June 2007. At that time, the agency planned for a second round of changes that would coincide with facility improvements planned at Starlite Transit Center, located in Brooklyn Park.

Cities included in this phase of the project include Minneapolis, Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Crystal, Golden Valley, New Hope, Plymouth and Robbinsdale.

Highlights of the service changes

Major changes are coming to these routes: 715, 716, 717, 755, 756 and 767. Other routes will have minor schedule changes.

Here are highlights of changes that customers should expect:

• Improved service in the Winnetka Avenue corridor, with more non-rush hour and reverse-commute service.
• New Route 705, a crosstown route traveling primarily on Winnetka Avenue in Brooklyn Park, Crystal, New Hope and St. Louis Park. This route will provide new service to
  Wal-Mart Supercenter in Brooklyn Park.
• New connections between Winnetka Avenue and Ridgedale Mall and between 42nd Avenue and City of Plymouth Dial-A-Ride.
• Elimination of Route 715, with service replaced by Route 705 and Route 717.
• Simpler Saturday routing between Robbinsdale, Crystal and Brooklyn Park on restructured Route 716.

To ease transition to the restructured service, agency staff will be posted at key boarding locations in the northwest metro to help customers several days prior to, during and after the changes start. Outreach efforts also include customer brochures, bus advertising, news releases and more.

Customers can get route and schedule information by calling 612-373-3333, or they can view schedules and maps online.