A few centuries past rivers and foot trails were the main highways in the Twin Cities.
A lot has changed since then. Released recently by Metro Transit, a new and improved transit plan called Network Now details a vision for transit service to meet regional needs through 2027. First released in draft form back in 2024, then followed up with public comment and on-site transit feedback, the new transit plan is based on over 8,000 comments and 420 hours spent on busses and trains, handing out materials to 4,000 customers.
Once fully implemented, the Network Now framework seeks to:
• Expand transit service by more than 40% to help attract more riders
• Improve access by providing new bus routes and Metro micro service
• Modify commuter and express service to meet today’s travel patterns
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging transit use
Several routes in the network intersect with South Washington County.
Included in the plan after feedback are routes 323, 352, 354, 355, and 363.
Among discontinued local routes are 350, 351, 361, 364, and 365.
As for routes in operation, these are the details:
Route 301 will operate on weekdays; express service provided every 60 minutes during rush as well as well as midday and evening. The new suburban route will operate between Woodlane Station in Woodbury and Norris Square in Cottage Grove. Destinations along the route include Woodbury City Hall, M Health Fairview Sports Center, Woodlane Station to connect with the Gold Line, Park High School, Hy-Vee, Cub Target, Aldi, Walmart, and Cottage Grove Business Park.
Route 323 has no proposed changes; express service provided every 30 minutes seven days a week. The route will operate between the Sun Ray Transit Center in St. Paul and Woodbury Village Shopping Center in Woodbury, with several stops along the way. Connections with other routes can be made at Woodlane Station in Woodbury as well as the Sun Ray Transit Center in St. Paul.
Route 352 will operate as a new express route between Woodbury Theatre Park and Ride and the University of Minnesota. There will be two trips each weekday during rush hour, the route making stops on Oak Street, Washington Avenue Cedar Avenue, and Fourth Street. Riders of Route 352 can connect with the Gold Line at Queens Drive Station, as well as the Green Line on Washington Avenue.
Route 354 will operate as a new route on I-494 and Highway 62, traveling from Woodlane Station at Woodbury to the Mall of America. Included in stops along the way will be the Newport Transit Station and MSP Airport. Service will operate every 60 minutes on weekdays, including during rush hour, at midday, and in the evening.
Route 355 will operate express service from Woodbury Theatre Park and Ride into downtown Minneapolis, with four trips during morning and afternoon rush hour on weekdays. Alternate service is available on the Gold Line Extension.
As for Route 363, it will operate from Cottage Grove Park and Ride and offer express weekday service to downtown Minneapolis and Saint Paul from Cottage Grove. There will be three trips during rush hour and one at midday, the midday trip an addition. Route 363 also serves Maplewood Park and Ride, traveling to Fifth and Sixth streets in downtown St. Paul and ending at the Fifth Street Transit Center in downtown Minneapolis, operating on Sixth and Seventh streets.
Among discontinued routes under the new plan are routes 350, 351, 361, 364, and 365. Alternative service for Route 350 will be available on Route 643, Route 323, and the Gold Line. Alternative service for Route 351 will be available on the Gold Line, while alternate service for Routes 361, 364, and 365 will be on Route 363. Under previous plans Route 351 operated between Woodbury Theater Park and Ride and downtown St. Paul. Route 364 operated express service from the Newport Transit Station as well as along Highway 61 and Lower Afton Road, while Route 361 and 365 each traveled to the Cottage Grove Park and Ride on Highway 61.