Public transportation company, Metro Transit, planning route extensions and implementation of express Park and Ride services.
Starting from August 16, 2025, passengers in St. Paul and Minneapolis can look forward to an array of changes in Metro Transit services. The upcoming modifications include new routes, increased service frequency on busy routes, and the resumption of two suspended routes during the pandemic lockdown.
One of the most significant changes is the introduction of the METRO E Line, which will connect the METRO Green Line Westgate Station in St. Paul to the Southdale Transit Center in Edina. Construction for this 13-mile line began in spring 2024, and ongoing infrastructure upgrades such as fiber optic communications, improved pedestrian access, traffic signals, bikeways, and intersection enhancements are expected to continue through 2025.
In addition to the METRO E Line, Metro Transit is significantly increasing service frequency on the system's busiest routes. This includes all-day express service from multiple suburban park-and-ride lots, and the reinstatement of routes 134 and 765. These changes aim to provide more transit options and flexibility, especially for Target workers returning to downtown Minneapolis offices.
The August expansion will represent a 5% increase in service across more than 20 routes in the Twin Cities area. The busiest routes, including 18, 6, 68, and 645, will see added service from August 16. Route 61, running between downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul, will also experience expanded service every day.
Moreover, route 765, which runs between downtown Minneapolis and the Target North Campus in Brooklyn Park, will also resume service from August 16. The same goes for route 134, which operates between Highland Park and downtown Minneapolis.
To ensure safety, Metro Transit has hired 200 more drivers for the summer of 2025 compared to last year. Safety measures such as Trip Agents and police officers on transit vehicles have improved perceived safety, according to recent customer surveys.
It's worth noting that from July 11 to July 21, 2025, buses replaced Green Line trains between Raymond Avenue and Union Depot stations due to construction work.
As for fare prices, the current data does not specify any upcoming changes for Metro Transit services in 2025. However, as of January, full-priced adult fares on non-express bus routes and the light rail are $2 a day. For young people, seniors, and Medicare recipients, the price remains at $1.
Aki Nace, a web producer for Minnesota, who has been working since 2019 and covers breaking news and makes short-form documentary films, has been following the developments in Metro Transit closely. These changes are expected to bring about a more connected and efficient public transportation system in the Twin Cities area.
In December, the E Line is scheduled to open, running between Southdale and the University of Minnesota. This will undoubtedly be a welcome addition to the existing network, further enhancing the commuting experience for residents and visitors alike.
[1] Metro Transit: METRO E Line [2] Star Tribune: Metro Transit to add bus routes, increase service in Twin Cities [4] KARE 11: Green Line service to be replaced by buses between Union Depot and Raymond Ave. stations for two weeks in July [5] Metro Transit: Service Alerts
- The introduction of the METRO E Line, scheduled to open in December, is a significant change in Metro Transit's developments, forming part of the ongoing efforts to create a more connected and efficient public transportation system in the Twin Cities area.
- In addition to the METRO E Line, Metro Transit is increasing service frequency on its busiest routes, a move that aims to provide more transit options and flexibility, particularly for workers returning to downtown Minneapolis offices.
- Amid these transit changes, safety remains a priority for Metro Transit, with the hiring of 200 more drivers for the summer of 2025 and the implementation of safety measures such as Trip Agents and police officers on transit vehicles.
