Since 1991, Move Minneapolis Transportation Management Organization (TMO) has promoted sustainable transportation – mass transit, carpooling, car-sharing, biking and walking – through outreach and education that targets downtown Minneapolis workers, residents, and visitors.     
Major Transit Projects Slated For Downtown
Nov. 30 groundbreaking ceremony in Hopkins for the SWLRT project. Photo courtesy of Met Council
Last month saw the promise of Federal funding for two major transit projects that will dramatically improve commuting options into downtown in the coming years; the Southwest LRT – Green Line Expansion from Eden Prairie to downtown, and the Orange Line bus rapid transit (BRT) dedicated bus route from Burnsville into Minneapolis. Construction has started on two bus rapid transit projects. Other projects are moving forward pending funding approval.

Proposed Five-Year Transit Project Timeline:

  • Under construction, Opening Late 2019 - The C Line arterial bus rapid transit (BRT) is on the Route 19 corridor between downtown Minneapolis and Brooklyn Center Transit Center
 
  • Opening 2021 - The Orange Line BRT will have a dedicated lane and freeway transit stations as part of the I-35W rebuild project. The BRT line will connect Burnsville to Minneapolis
 
  • Pending Funding Approval, 2021 Opening - The D Line (BRT) will be on the Route 5 corridor between Mall of America and Brooklyn Center Transit Center via Chicago Ave into downtown Minneapolis

  • Opening 2023 - The Green Line Extension (also known as Southwest LRT) will open a 15-mile line between downtown Minneapolis and Eden Prairie serving an estimated 34,000 riders daily

  • Pending Funding Approval, 2024 Opening - The Blue Line Extension (also known as Bottineau LRT) will operate an 11-mile line between Brooklyn Park and downtown Minneapolis 
Orange Line BRT To Emerge From 35W@94 Project
Image courtesy of Metro Transit
Route 535 Set To Become The Orange Line

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) approved their share for the METRO Orange Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, a 17-mile transitway on one of the busiest stretches of I-35W. The Orange Line will connect commuters from the South Metro into downtown Minneapolis, including stops near major employers such as Best Buy, HealthPartners, Allina, Wells Fargo, and Toro. The Orange Line will  provide better, faster transit service, reduce congestion, and support continued economic growth all along the route.

Bus rapid transit runs frequent, all-day service in both directions, seven days a week along the existing Route 535. Construction began last year, in coordination with MnDOT, on the I-35W rebuild project. The project includes a transit-only access ramp into downtown and I-35W and a new Lake Street transit station. The southbound bus-only access ramp to I-35W just recently opened. Construction will be completed in 2021. The Orange Line is exploring a future extension to run from Burnsville to Lakeville.

Making Carpooling Work For Them
Sarah and Christina make their carpool work for them even though their schedules are different, they each balance childcare, and live in different suburban communities. They coordinate their busy schedules so that they can drive together three times a week. According to Christina, “What’s awesome about the commute is my carpooling buddy and I have kiddos the same age, so we share our first-time parent learning stories throughout our drives. We also love taking the carpool lane out of downtown and the quick access to the highway from Ramp B.” From the ramp, it’s a ten minute walk to their offices, or they use their free Ramp & Ride cards to hop a train. From Ramp B it’s an easy LRT ride to Government Plaza station.

The other two days a week Christina telecommutes from home while Sarah takes an express bus from Prior Lake. Combining the two modes of transportation gives Sarah flexibility, “You can’t beat $20 per month carpool parking, and on days when my commuting buddy works from home, I take the bus.” Her employer’s transportation benefit covers the cost of both.

Both friends know that sick kids and dentist appointments can interrupt their schedules. They can get home solo without much trouble if there’s a carpool hiccup since they're enrolled in the Guaranteed Ride Home reimbursement program to cover an Uber or Lyft. The free program will reimburse them up to $100 annually. 
Minneapolis Plans For Safer Walks & Smoother Rides
Now that we’ve had a taste of winter, pedestrians and bicycle commuters are having flashbacks of last year’s insurmountable snow mountains that lasted well into spring. Snow-clogged sidewalks and unnavigable bike lanes made for dangerous commutes. The City of Minneapolis is looking to improve snow removal for walking, biking and wheelchairs. Last spring, City of Minneapolis Public Works released a  Pedestrian and Bicycle Winter Maintenance Study  and  Supplemental Report on Sidewalks with suggestions for improvements.

  • Pilot program for sidewalk inspections this winter. City staff would inspect sidewalks to make sure they are clear rather than relying solely on complaints from residents. A pilot would test the effectiveness of inspections
  • Improve Communications with Residents. More direct communication on snow removal ordinances are issued to property owners
  • Assistance Programs for Snow Removal. Work with organizations to provide snow clearing for older adults and people with disabilities
  • Improve sidewalk inspection & clearing process. The City is looking at ways to speed up the sidewalk inspection process that can often take 6-8 days

After a sizable snowfall, city workers will begin inspect the miles of sidewalks for un-shoveled properties. Notices will be issued to property owners who have not shoveled within 24 hours as required by city ordinance . Failure to shovel could result in city crews being called out to remove the snow at the expense of the property owner. Minneapolis will provide a list of resources for people who can’t clear their own sidewalks, such as those who are elderly or disabled. For problem situations, call 311 to report un-shoveled walks and paths.

Dedicated bike lanes tend to be cleared quickly, sometime faster than city streets are plowed. Problems mostly occur on the on-street bike lanes and street corners.

A long-term proposal is looking into the city crews cleaning bike paths, sidewalks and curb cuts at a cost of $20 million a year. This would include the purchase of snow removal equipment made for clearing sidewalks.   
Map courtesy of City of Minneapolis Public Works
8th Street's Transformation Sets Stage For C Line In 2019
Construction cones and barriers line the 8 th Street Reconstruction Project between Hennepin Avenue to Chicago Avenue hampering transit, car and pedestrian traffic for the next year. The scope of the reconstruction project is from building front to building front for improved traffic flow, transit and pedestrian safety. When complete a year from now, the project will include enhanced bus stops for the C Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT ) of what is now Route #19, that connects Brooklyn Center with downtown. The 8.5 mile C Line will offer faster bus service into downtown, pre-boarding fare payment and an expanded bus schedule.
 
This month the utility work on 8 th Street is concentrated between Park and Portland Avenues, and Nicollet Mall and Marquette Avenue. P edestrian access is limited, bikes must share the one open traffic lane with cars. During weekday rush hours (5 AM – 9 AM and 3 PM – 6 PM) a second lane is open. Regular bus service has resumed on 8th Street but the Nicollet Mall stop is temporarily closed. Check with City of Minneapolis Public Works for the latest updates.
Move Minneapolis is made possible by a federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) grant in partnership with the United States Department of Transportation, the Metropolitan Council, the City of Minneapolis, MnDOT, and the downtown community.