Metro Transit is selecting the next planned arterial bus rapid transit lines
The Arterial BRT Plan Update will identify the next three planned arterial bus rapid transit (BRT) lines – the J, K, and L lines – planned to open between 2030 and 2035. These lines will join the growing METRO network of fast, frequent, all-day service between comfortable stations with enhanced amenities.
The Plan Update began with 17 candidate corridors and will narrow down to the J, K, and L lines through technical evaluation, public feedback, and coordination with cities, counties, and MnDOT.
View the initial candidate corridors
West 7th Street Corridor
Metro Transit has been working with project partners on a new multimodal concept in the West 7th Street Corridor, including a more substantial investment in bus rapid transit.
The City of St. Paul announced in October 2025 that concept is no longer moving forward, as project partners were unable to reach agreement on a funding plan for this coordinated concept. You can learn more about this work at the project website.
As an outcome of this work, Metro Transit will bring this corridor into the Arterial BRT Plan Update, where it will be evaluated along with these 10 corridors. A total of 11 corridors are now being considered in the technical evaluation step.
Four step planning process
To identify the J, K, and L lines, the Plan Update will follow a four-step planning process, narrowing down from the initial candidate corridors to the J, K, and L lines. This work is planned to conclude by the end of 2025.
- Step 1 – Identify (Spring 2025): Metro Transit has identified 17 candidate corridors for consideration. Learn how the candidate corridors were identified.
- Step 2 – Screen (Summer 2025): Apply screening criteria to narrow the candidates down to the most promising corridors for additional consideration.
- Step 3 – Evaluate (Fall 2025): Develop the most promising corridors in more detail and rank them using technical evaluation criteria.
- Step 4 – Prioritize (Winter 2025/6): Apply readiness criteria and coordinate with planned roadway projects to prioritize the next three lines as the J, K, and L lines.
Opportunities to review and provide feedback will follow each step. Please subscribe to the Arterial BRT Plan Update newsletter to stay up to date and learn more about opportunities to provide feedback.
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