Fully implementing Network Now framework will lead to 40% service expansion
A framework for making transit service more available on busy corridors throughout the day, on nights and weekends, and between suburban communities was endorsed this week by the Metropolitan Council.
The Met Council’s endorsement of Network Now follows more than a year of engagement with riders, transit workers, and local leaders. The framework will be implemented through quarterly service changes made over the coming years as resources allow.
Fully implementing the improvements outlined in Network Now would expand transit service by 40% compared to 2023 levels.
“The service improvements we are committing to in Network Now respond to changing travel behavior and rider feedback,” General Manager Lesley Kandaras said. “As we engaged with riders and community members, we heard strong support for expanding transit service and improving options. Network Now is grounded in what we’ve heard.”
Key changes in Network Now include:
- Expanded service on more than 70 routes, including more weekend service on 11 routes, late-night service on routes 10, 18, the METRO C Line and METRO D Line, and hourly midday service operating in both directions on express routes 250, 270, 673, 768, 850.
- Continued investment in the region’s METRO network, including extending the METRO Gold Line to Minneapolis and the planned METRO G Line from downtown Saint Paul to West Saint Paul.
- Trips every 30 minutes or better on most suburban local routes to provide more suburb-to-suburb transit options.
- Expanded door-to-door, on-demand microtransit service to eight additional suburban zones.
- The official discontinuation of 50 routes, nearly all of which provided weekday express service. All but two of these routes have been suspended since 2020.
Collectively, the service changes are designed to grow ridership by responding to changes in when and where people are choosing to travel. Generally, that means spreading service more evenly across the day, all days of the week.
“When, where, and how people want to get around has changed significantly in recent years,” said Council Member Deb Barber, who chairs the Met Council’s Transportation Committee. “Network Now not only responds to these changes but shows our commitment to listening to and learning from everyone who has a stake in our region’s transit system.”
METRO network expansion continues
The endorsement of Network Now follows the successful March 22 opening of the METRO Gold Line and as Metro Transit prepares to open two additional bus rapid transit lines, the METRO B Line and METRO E Line, later this year.
After these bus rapid transit lines open, 38% of the region’s households with no vehicle access will be within a half-mile of a light rail or bus rapid transit station.
By the end of this year, Metro Transit plans to identify three additional corridors where bus rapid transit lines could open between 2030 and 2035; feedback on candidate corridors is being accepted now.
“Investing in fast, frequent, and reliable transit not only helps people get where they need to go, but makes our entire region more prosperous, equitable, and resilient,” Council Chair Charlie Zelle said. “Our service improvement framework points the way, and we look forward to advancing these improvements in partnership with community stakeholders across the region.”
Conversation about transit improvements continues
Metro Transit leadership will host community meetings and listening sessions throughout the year to continue the conversation around transit improvements. All are welcome to attend. The next meetings will be held on:
- Wednesday, April 2, 11:30 a.m. to 1?p.m., Metro Transit Office Building, 560 N Sixth Ave, Minneapolis
- Thursday, April 3, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.? Register for the virtual meeting here.
About Metro Transit
Metro Transit is Minnesota’s largest transit agency, providing bus and rail service across the Twin Cities region. The agency’s vision and mission is to connect people, strengthen communities and improve lives by providing high-quality public transportation.
Contact: Drew Kerr, [email protected], 651-387-3928