METRO B Line Update #6

Metropolitan Council sent this bulletin at 07/14/2021 04:41 PM CDT

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MNORGMETC/bulletins/2e82580

METRO B Line releases Recommended Corridor Plan

a map of the METRO B Line route from West Lake Station in Minneapolis to Union Depot in downtown St. Paul

In February, Metro Transit released a Draft Corridor Plan for the METRO B Line project. This plan reflected years of project planning and community engagement to shape this investment in the Route 21 bus corridor.

In early 2021, we engaged the public and asked for feedback on the Draft Corridor Plan. More than 650 comments were submitted during the draft B Line Corridor Plan comment period. Due to COVID-19 protocols, nearly all comments were submitted via email. However, approximately 40 comments were submitted as part of limited in-person conversations along the corridor. Several comments were submitted by phone.

Some broad themes of comments we received included:

Support for the implementation of bus priority treatments
Questions and/or concerns around the proposed mix of bus service in and along the corridor
Questions and comments around station spacing
Questions and comments around platform locations with Selby and Western/Arundel generating the most comments

Project planning has reached another critical step with the release of the Recommended Corridor Plan. This plan includes updates based on public and agency input, responses to feedback we have heard, and more information about the next steps in B Line development.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, customers took more than 10,000 daily rides on Route 21, making it Metro Transit’s second busiest bus route. Route 21 has retained strong ridership through the pandemic. Transit remains important in this corridor, and Metro Transit is planning for the future with the B Line.

Metro Transit is seeking community feedback on planned station locations, service, and speed and reliability improvements. Explore the plan and provide your comments by Aug. 13. Learn how you can participate in the process at metrotransit.org/b-line-engagement

If you have any questions, need further accommodations on accessing plan materials, or if your group is interested in a project presentation, please contact project staff by email or by phone at 612-248-0642.

What's new in the Recommended Corridor Plan? 

What’s in the Recommended Corridor Plan?

BRT station facilities and service characteristics

B Line routing and stops

Updates to station locations from the Draft Corridor Plan based on feedback from project partners and community members:

Planned station locations: station intersections and location of platforms within each intersection. Once approved, this plan will set the locations for stations moving forward. Changes to station locations from the Draft Corridor Plan include:

A recommendation for nearside platform locations at Lake & Cedar, Lake & Lyndale, and Lake & Bloomington based on continued coordination around bus priority treatments and other potential improvements along Lake Street
A recommendation for an eastbound platform at Selby & Arundel as opposed to Selby & Western based on continued evaluation of the two concepts presented in the Draft Corridor Plan

Updated scenarios for bus priority treatments and other potential improvements along the B Line corridor
Local and limited-stop bus service within and along the B Line corridor, including more information on the factors that will be considered as a final bus service plan is developed to complement the B Line

How can I get involved?

Watch this video
Review the plan and submit online comments
Comment on a social media post
Request a virtual meeting for your group or organization with project staff

E-mail: bline@metrotransit.org

SUBSCRIBER SERVICES:
Manage Subscriptions | Unsubscribe All | Subscriber Help