E Line Bus project page

Welcome to the project page for the METRO E Line (a bigger version of the map can be found here).

We'll use this page to host perspectives from people across the community about the planned route. If you have a perspective to share, use the "Add Context" box at the bottom of this page. We'll take a look at what you send, and if it adds to the dialogue, we may publish it here as well.

Metro Transit is currently in the comment period for the draft route, and passed along the following context, alongside a note requesting that you reach out at metrotransit.org/e-line-project or by emailing ELine@metrotransit.org with any positive or negative thoughts by October 31st, 2021.

What is the METRO E Line?

The METRO E Line is a planned bus rapid transit line (BRT), like the A Line and C Line, that will provide faster, more reliable, and more comfortable transit service in the Route 6 corridor along University Avenue/4th Street, Hennepin Avenue, Sheridan/Upton Avenue, 44th Street, and France Avenue from the University of Minnesota to Southdale. The E Line would run every 10 minutes, seven days a week for most of the day. It is planned to begin construction in 2024 and open for service in 2025.

Why was the E Line created?
The goal for the E Line is to run at least 20 percent faster and be more reliable than the existing Route 6 by stopping less often, allowing customers to board faster, and stopping at fewer red lights. E Line buses will stop at enhanced stations with shelters with light and heat, security cameras and emergency telephones, real-time NexTrip signs, and benches and bike parking.

To make sure the E Line will best serve transit riders and the community, we try to place stations in locations that will provide the most benefit to people. We look for existing high ridership bus stops, opportunities to connect with other transit routes, population and employment density, and commercial and retail nodes. Essentially, we try to put stations where people want to go.

What stage is the project at right now?

The public comment period on this draft plan runs from September 20 through October 31 and we wants to hear from people about the plan – both what they like, and what they’d like to see changed.

Following the conclusion of the current comment period on the Draft Plan, we’ll make updates to the plan and come back out with a Recommended Plan for public comment at the end of January through February 2022. We’ll plan to take a Final Plan to the Metropolitan Council for approval in March of 2022.

You can learn more about the E Line, review the full Draft Corridor Plan and individual station plans, and provide feedback at metrotransit.org/e-line-project or by emailing ELine@metrotransit.org. We look forward to hearing from you.

Here's a look at the project schedule: