Since May 2014, $18 million of funding has been secured towards the implementation of METRO Orange Line Bus Rapid Transit. This commitment will fund all project development, engineering, and environmental work through 2016, as well as part of construction. Funding sources and amounts are shown on the right.

The Project Plan Update, adopted in July 2014, summarizes all the locally-preferred components of the Orange Line project to date, detailing preferred station locations, routing and right-of-way needs, frequency of service and technology recommendations.

The Metropolitan Council has applied to the Federal Transit Administration to begin the project development and engineering phase for the Orange Line from downtown Minneapolis to Burnsville. This work would occur in 2015 and 2016 in anticipation of a potential $70 million federal funding commitment. Federal funding is being sought through the Small Starts program, which provides annual capital grants to transit projects across the nation. 

The total cost for the Orange Line project is estimated at $150 million in 2017 dollars.

Bus Stop Closure on I-35W at Lake Street

On Sept. 8, the northbound I-35W bridge deck over Lake Street was damaged after being hit by a truck traveling westbound on Lake Street. The stop on I-35W was closed due to structural damage. Bridge reparit work is scheduled for completion in mid-November, at which time the northbound I-35W bus stop will reopen. The southbound stop above Lake Street remains open.

Metro Transit recommends that northbound transit customers continue their trips into downtown Minneapolis, then use local or express buses to connect back to Lake Street. To learn your best option, please use the Trip Planner, or speak with a transit expert by calling 612-373-3333.

Community members are encouraged to provide feedback on a draft plan that will guide future expansion of Metro Transit’s local and express bus service, including connecting service to METRO Orange Line.

The draft Service Improvement Plan prioritizes improvements to be made through 2030 as funding is available, adding service to existing routes, enhancing connectivity and introducing more reverse commute options. Details about the proposed improvements are available at metrotransit.org/sip, at county libraries, and on Metro Transit buses. 

Comments will be accepted through the end of November via email, U.S. mail (560 Sixth Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN 55411), or by calling 651-602-1500. Feedback can also be provided at upcoming public meetings being held Nov. 5 –17 or at a public hearing on Nov. 18.