West 7th (J Line), Nicollet (K Line) approved to move forward as next planned arterial bus rapid transit lines
After an evaluation of several potential corridors, the Metropolitan Council in March backed a recommendation to make these corridors home to the future METRO J Line and METRO K Line, respectively. The new lines are expected to open between 2030 and 2035.
Plans for the J Line call for service between the Mall of America and downtown St. Paul, with a stop at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Plans for the K Line call for service between downtown Minneapolis and American Boulevard in Bloomington.
Once open, riders will enjoy faster and more reliable service and enhanced stations with features like heated and lit shelters, real-time displays, security features, and ticket machines. The frequency and span of service will be determined through the planning process but is expected to be generally in line with existing bus rapid transit lines, where trips run up to every 10 minutes.
Planning, community engagement, and partner coordination on the METRO J Line (West 7th Street) will begin in 2026 and on the METRO K Line (Nicollet) in 2027.
On West 7th Street, MnDOT is planning to make significant roadway improvements in the corridor starting in 2029. Metro Transit is working closely with MnDOT, the City of Saint Paul, and Ramsey County to align J Line construction with this major roadway project.
Additional study is needed to identify the METRO L Line from a set of three candidate corridors (Franklin/Grand/East 3rd Street, Johnson/Lyndale, and Randolph/East 7th). A recommendation is expected by the end of 2026.
An updated METRO Map showing the addition of the future J and K lines to the system
L Line to be named later in 2026 after further study
Additional study is needed to identify the METRO L Line from a set of three candidate corridors (Franklin/Grand/East 3rd Street, Johnson/Lyndale, and Randolph/East 7th). A recommendation is expected by the end of 2026.
Staff will also study the feasibility of extending the C Line north or south on a separate path in 2026.
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