Rapid Bus Service 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is rapid bus service being built in these corridors?

In the 2011-2012 Arterial Transitway Corridors Study, Metro Transit studied 12 high-ridership urban corridors for rapid bus service. The purpose of the study was to develop a facility and service plan to enhance efficiency, speed, reliability, customer experience, and transit market competitiveness on high-demand urban transitway corridors. Through extensive analysis and stakeholder involvement, the study found that rapid bus service would perform well on Snelling / Ford / 46th. Because it was also shovel-ready, the A Line became the top priority for implementation with city and county support. You can find more information on the Arterial Transitway Corridors Study here.

What makes rapid bus service faster?

• • Making fewer stops significantly speeds up travel time. It helps buses stay better in sync with traffic flow.
• • Ticket machines allow customers to purchase tickets before boarding. There’s no need to line up at the bus farebox.
• • Faster on, faster off. Low-floor buses and raised curbs at stations, plus wider bus doors and boarding from the front and back, speed up boarding.
• • Extending the curb at stations saves time. Buses merge more easily into traffic after serving a station.
• • Transit signal priority allows buses to move through signals a bit faster.
   

What is transit signal priority?

Transit signal priority gives transit an advantage from other traffic when passing through certain intersections. With transit signal priority, buses can “ask” traffic signals for early or extended green lights to keep moving. Traffic lights will determine whether to give rapid bus service the extra time. Transit signal priority is used on the METRO Blue and Green Lines at certain intersections.

Will rapid bus service vehicles have priority lanes?

No. Corridor analysis shows that only a small amount of delay is caused by traffic. Most delays come from stopping every block, customers paying fares and stopping at red lights. To address these delays, other features – like pre-boarding fare payment and curb extensions at stations – will keep rapid bus service moving quickly.

How will curb extensions enhance my bus experience?

Many bus stops today are in a shared-right-turn lane. This configuration leaves little space for customer amenities and slows operation by requiring buses to merge back into traffic. Additionally, the lateral motion of entering and exiting bus stops and can contribute to motion sickness. Placing stations in curb extensions just past the intersection makes space for sheltered bus stops as well as eliminates delays and side-to-side weaving.

Will rapid bus service remove parking lanes?

No. Rapid bus service vehicles will run in existing mixed traffic lanes. At some bus stops, potential parking changes will be determined during station design with community input. A handful of current parking spaces at stations may be displaced to allow for a rapid bus station, with the potential to explore new on-street parking spaces nearby. The station design process will balance on-street parking availability, traffic and roadway maintenance needs and transitway infrastructure provision.

Will rapid bus service have Park & Ride facilities?

Generally, BRT will not have Park & Ride facilities. BRT lines on arterial streets are designed for walk-up use from surrounding urban neighborhoods. Large stations with Park & Ride lots do not reflect the project’s intent.

Will rapid bus service replace existing routes?

Rapid bus service will become the primary route serving these corridors, but local bus routes will continue to operate and pick up customers between stations. This suite of services – frequent rapid buses stopping only at designated stations plus local buses serving all bus stops at a reduced frequency – will better improve mobility and reduce travel times for the majority of customers in these corridors.

How much will it cost to ride?

Rapid bus lines (designated by letters) will have the same fare as local buses and light rail. There will be no extra charge for the premium service.

How do I pay my fare?

Unlike regular-route buses, rapid lines won’t have on-board fare payment. Instead, like METRO Line payment, customers purchase their tickets at machines located at every rapid bus station or tap a Go-To Card or pass prior to boarding the vehicle. Police officers will randomly check fares to ensure customers have paid. You can learn more about fare payment on Metro Transit’s YouTube channel.

How do I transfer between a rapid bus line and light rail?

Transferring between a rapid bus line and the METRO Blue or Green lines is easy! No matter where you purchased your ticket, it is valid for 2½ hours of unlimited rides. There's no need to insert your ticket into any machine; when the A Line bus or METRO train arrives, enter through any door. Keep your ticket available to show to Transit Police officers as proof of fare payment. There is a $180 fine for riding buses or METRO lines without paying.

If you paying your fare with a Go-To Card or pass, simply touch it to the card reader located on the platform whenever you transfer. Transit Police officers will scan your Go-To card/pass to ensure it has been validated.  

How do I transfer between the A Line and regular-route buses?

A Line tickets are valid for regular-route buses and METRO Line trains. To transfer to a regular-route bus with an A Line ticket, present your ticket to your driver as you board. Do not insert them in the farebox! Unlike tickets purchased on regular-route buses or at METRO stations, A Line tickets do not have a magnetic strip, and cannot be read in the farebox. To transfer from a regular-route bus to the A Line, simply hop on the bus when it arrives. Be prepared to show Transit Police officers your ticket if requested.

Paying with a Go-To card or pass is even easier. Simply touch it to the card reader on the platform or at the front of the bus whenever you transfer. 

What kinds of features will stations have?

Substantial, permanent shelters at BRT stations will provide protection from the elements and a comfortable, secure customer waiting space. Station areas will incorporate elements to accommodate customer needs and establish a safe, comfortable and convenient transit experience. These elements include:

• • Bike racks
• • Litter receptacles
• • Information about the stop/route/system and neighborhood
• • Real-time information signage
• • Security cameras
• • Emergency telephones
• • Station lighting
• • Push-button heating
• • Ticket machines for on-street fare purchase using cash or credit card
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What will rapid bus stations look like?

A common look and feel is employed at every station. A standard station design than can be modified to the neighborhood and exact station location make rapid bus stations both recognizable and in-line with the neighborhood atmosphere. 

How is rapid bus service being funded? 

All BRT projects will be funded by a mix of federal, state, and local funds. Funds for the A Line are determined; details can be found on the bottom of this page. The other BRT projects are currently soliciting funding and determining final budgets.

When will rapid bus lines be built?

The A Line on Snelling Avenue is the first Arterial BRT Line in the Twin Cities. Following the A Line's opening in 2016, one additional line is planned to open each year as the system gets built out.

Is rapid bus service the same as Highway BRT?

Highway BRT is similar to rapid bus service in that it has high-frequency, limited stop bus service with pre-boarding fare payment and high-amenity stations, but Highway BRT utilizes the highways or interstates for longer commutes, generally from urban to suburban or rural areas. Highway BRT can include bus-only or managed lanes to minimize travel times instead of using curb extensions as in the arterial model. The METRO Red Line on Cedar Ave/CR-77 (existing) and METRO Orange Line on I-35W (planned) are examples of Highway BRT systems in the Twin Cities.

How are rapid buses different from regular buses?

Because the rapid bus system is different from normal bus operations, rapid buses will have their own look and feel to differentiate these buses to waiting passengers. The A Line fleet (a 40-foot Gillig model) has a wider back door, on-board announcements and display, and a different paint scheme than regular route buses. And don’t forget, all doors open on rapid buses so you can enter or exit the bus through any door.

Where will I put my bike on rapid buses?

Just like regular route buses, each rapid bus can store up to two bikes outside the bus in front of the driver.