Following months of analysis and community engagement, Metro Transit finalized recommendations for the next three bus rapid transit (BRT) alignments that will become the METRO F, G, and H lines.
“These recommendations are the result of a robust and data-driven process guided by community priorities,” said Katie Roth, assistant director of bus rapid transit projects.
With help from the public (PDF) to prioritize alignments, staff recommended:
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The METRO F Line run between downtown Minneapolis and Northtown Mall via Central Avenue
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The G Line travel between West St. Paul and Little Canada via Robert and Rice streets
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The H Line run between downtown Minneapolis and Sun Ray Transit Center in St. Paul via Como Avenue and Maryland Avenue
The Met Council will act on the recommendations in March.
Community engagement informs priorities
Based on ridership, equity metrics, costs, and other benefits, Metro Transit studied 19 initial corridors for potential BRT implementation. Multiple rounds of feedback across 2020 helped shape the process and narrow the field of potential lines to respond to community priorities.
In December, Metro Transit sought further public feedback on four near-term candidates. Community priorities, paired with further evaluation of costs and ridership, led to the recommendations for the F, G, and H lines.
“Together, the recommended F, G, and H lines will greatly expand the reach of the METRO network of bus rapid transit and light rail, bringing fast and frequent service to more communities who depend on transit,” Roth said. “This is a major step toward expanding equitable access to jobs and opportunity in the Twin Cities region.”
Pending full funding, the F Line would be constructed starting in 2025, with the G and H lines following. All three lines are planned to be operational by 2030, pending full funding.
Network Next is a 20-year plan for expanding and improving the bus network. Transit improvements under consideration include improved local and express routes, integrated shared mobility options, and new BRT lines. Later in 2021, Metro Transit will begin the next phase of Network Next, focusing on local and express bus improvements.