Strategy 1 Increase transit coverage so that 75% of city residents are located within a quarter mile and 90% of residents are located within a half mile to high frequency transit corridors.
The actions within this strategy are divided into two categories:
Action we will DOActions we will SUPPORTAction we will do are followed by “DO” and are colored in dark gray, and actions we will support are followed by “SUPPORT” and are colored in light gray.
Learn more about how we get thereMinneapolis 2040 allows greater density of housing near existing and planned high frequency transit lines. The Transit Priority Projects map identifies corridors to improve frequency and reliability on existing routes and identifies where new crosstown services are needed.
High frequency transit corridors have service every 15 minutes during key weekday and Saturday hours. As of 2020, 47% of Minneapolis residents have a quarter mile access, or about a 5-minute walk, to high frequency transit. An additional 24% of people have access within a half mile, or about a 10-minute walk. The TAP sets a goal of 75% of city residents located within a quarter mile and 90% of residents located within a half mile walk to high frequency transit corridors. This strategy also looks to improve upon high frequency service from its current 15-minute interval to 10-minutes, in pursuit of even more improvement over time so that more people are able to rely on transit without the need to refer to a schedule for their everyday needs.
The current transit system undergoes minor service adjustments quarterly, with more major adjustments done through Metro Transit’s Service Improvement Plan and when major capital projects come online. A Service Improvement Plan was completed in 2015 with an update report in 2017, and Metro Transit’s Network Next will be looking at larger service adjustments systemwide in 2020. With many development and new population centers in Minneapolis, ensuring growth corridors are well served by transit is a focus of this strategy. Each of the following strategies will depend on upon the partnership with Metro Transit and should be coordinated with future Metro Transit transit service plans.
Actions to increase transit coverage and frequency.
Transit 1.1
Coordinate with Metro Transit’s Network Next plan to reflect the strategies and actions in this plan.
Supported goals:
Equity Prosperity Mobility Active Partnerships
Related actions:
Difficulty:
Medium
Timeframe:
2020-2023 (Years 0-3)
Status:
Successfully completed to date and on-going
Significant milestone(s):
The City has coordinated with Network Next consistently since 2021 to reflect strategies and actions in the plan, including on the development of the Network Now framework.
Transit 1.2
Establish enhanced neighborhood-based transit options, considering the use of new vehicle types, in growing neighborhoods to provide enhanced access and connections to housing, goods, services, employment, and other destinations including existing high-frequency transit routes. Explore options along the downtown riverfront and North Loop first.
Supported goals:
Prosperity Mobility
Related actions:
Difficulty:
High
Timeframe:
2030+ (Years 10+)
Status:
Not Started
Note:
In 2025, commuting patterns and transit ridership have not returned to pre-pandemic trends. While building out high-frequency transit routes remains a priority, current market conditions do not indicate a need for enhanced neighborhood-based transit using new vehicle types in the downtown riverfront area or North Loop. This action will be revisited during the 2030 update to the TAP.
Transit 1.3
Expand the high frequency network.
Supported goals:
Equity Prosperity Mobility Active Partnerships
Related actions:
Difficulty:
High
Timeframe:
2020-2023 (Years 0-3)
Status:
Successfully completed to date and on-going
Significant milestone(s):
Public Works coordinates with Metro Transit on the development of high-frequency transit routes such as the Blue Line Extension light rail project and the A, B, C, D, and E Line bus rapid transit lines.
Transit 1.4
Increase the high frequency network from 15 to 10 minutes or better.
Supported goals:
Equity Prosperity Mobility Active Partnerships
Related actions:
Difficulty:
High
Timeframe:
2028-2030 (Years 8-10)
Status:
Not Started
Note:
The City continues to support Metro Transit’s investment in the high-frequency network including METRO light rail projects, bus rapid transit, and local service improvements.
Transit 1.5
Improve the quality and expand the high frequency network of local crosstown service, specifically from north to northeast Minneapolis and from south to southwest Minneapolis.
Supported goals:
Equity Prosperity Mobility Active Partnerships
Related actions:
Difficulty:
High
Timeframe:
2028-2030 (Years 8-10)
Status:
Not Started
Note:
Metro Transit has identified candidate bus rapid transit (BRT) corridors as part of their 2025 Arterial BRT Plan update. Candidates include corridors connecting north to northeast Minneapolis and south to southwest Minneapolis.
Transit 1.6
Expand coverage to new or growing markets and improve transit service to areas that are currently underserved based on potential demand from population or development increases.
Supported goals:
Equity Prosperity Mobility Active Partnerships
Related actions:
Difficulty:
High
Timeframe:
2028-2030 (Years 8-10)
Status:
Successfully completed to date and on-going
Significant milestone(s):
City staff prepared a letter on arterial BRT priorities as Metro Transit begins work on an update of their arterial BRT plan. The H Line bus rapid transit line is in the planning phase and will improve transit service on Como Ave SE. Several projects improved transit service on Lyndale Ave S including bus lanes through the Hennepin/Lyndale merge and relocating the Route 4 to Lyndale Ave from Bryant Ave.
Transit 1.7
Work with Metro Transit and Minneapolis Public Schools to ensure the transit system offers safe, reliable and convenient transit routes and service for high school students.
Supported goals:
Climate Safety Equity Mobility Active Partnerships
Related actions:
Difficulty:
High
Timeframe:
2020-2023 (Years 0-3)
Status:
Successfully completed to date and on-going
Significant milestone(s):
The City is prepared to support Metro Transit and Minneapolis Public Schools in serving high school students.
Transit 1.8
Support reverse commute service connecting Minneapolis residents to suburban employment centers.
Supported goals:
Climate Prosperity Mobility Active Partnerships
Related actions:
Difficulty:
Medium
Timeframe:
2020-2023 (Years 0-3)
Status:
Successfully completed to date and on-going
Significant milestone(s):
The City supported the establishment of the Orange Line BRT, which opened in December 2021. This service connects to employment centers in Richfield, Bloomington, and Burnsville.
Transit 1.9
Partner with Metro Transit to identify and secure bus layover locations, including restroom availability, that provide efficient access at the beginning of routes.
Supported goals:
Mobility Active Partnerships
Related actions:
Difficulty:
Medium
Timeframe:
2020-2023 (Years 0-3)
Status:
Successfully completed to date and on-going
Significant milestone(s):
The City regularly coordinates with Metro Transit to plan bus layover locations and respond to any issues that arise.
Transit 1.10
Explore partnerships and opportunities with private companies and other organizations to subsidize and implement neighborhood or employer circulators.
Supported goals:
Prosperity Mobility Active Partnerships
Related actions:
Difficulty:
Medium
Timeframe:
2030+ (Years 10+)
Status:
Not Started
Note:
Commuting patterns and transit ridership have changed significantly in recent years. This action will be revisited as part of future Transportation Action Plan updates.
See also actions:
- Technology 1.6
Research and integrate automated transit vehicles - Technology 6.7
Siting of electric charging stations