New Bus Rapid Transit Line Launches in Minneapolis

Metro Transit launched new bus rapid transit service on June 8, 2019, when the C Line began service between the Brooklyn Center Transit Center and Minneapolis, "giving riders a light-rail-like experience with new stations, increased frequency and fewer stops," reports Jessica Lee.

"The C Line will be a sequel to the region’s first bus rapid transit (BRT) route, the A Line, which launched three years ago to shuttle passengers between south Minneapolis and the Rosedale Center," according to Lee.

Despite the success of the A Line and the forthcoming opening of the C Line, the state of Minnesota has ceased funding new transit. Meanwhile, "Metro Transit and regional leaders’ plan for a 10-plus regional BRT network is in limbo."

The article focuses on the political debate on transit funding at the state, and the future plans and possibilities for Metro Transit. Despite the lack of funding coming from the state at present, there are still transit projects underway around the region, including "the under-construction Southwest light rail, as well as the planned Bottineau light-rail line (linking Minneapolis and northwestern suburbs), Orange Line BRT between Minneapolis and Burnsville, Gold Line BRT (between St. Paul and Woodbury), Rush Line BRT (between St. Paul and White Bear Lake) and Riverview corridor (linking St. Paul, the airport and Mall of America)."