Red Line opening brings changes to MVTA bus routes

In conjunction with the opening of the new Bus Rapid Transit line, the Minnesota Valley Transit Authority is making several schedule and route changes that will take effect Saturday.

The big one is the opening of what is being called the Metro Red Line.The BRT will use buses to move passengers from station to station much like light rail trains do now. The metro's first BRT line will operate along Cedar Avenue between the Apple Valley Transit Station and the Mall of America in Bloomington.

The Red Line will make stops at the Cedar Grove Transit Station, 140th Street and 147th Street. The plan is to have riders connect to the Blue Line trains at the Mall of America.

Red Line service will operate frequently daily until midnight. Passengers also will be able to connect to other MVTA routes at each of the BRT's stops.

Full details of schedule and route changes is posted on the MVTA web site, but here are highlights:

Route 420

The route will connect to Red Line service at the Apple Valley Transit Station. It also will continue as Route 442 between Burnsville and Rosemount.

Five trips will operate weekdays between the Eagan Transit Station and the Cedar Grove Transit Station. Eastbound morning trips will run between 6:15 a.m. and 8:35 a.m. Westbound trips will operate from 3:59 p.m. and 6:19 p.m.

Route 438

Service will be expanded to 7:15 a.m. to 7:15 p.m. Buses also will extend its run to Thomas Lake Road and Thomas Center Drive. It also will replace Route 445 service on Rahn, Diffley and Nichols roads.

Route 440

This route will have more frequent service and also weekend service between the Cedar Grove and Apple Valley Transit stations. Four trips a day will serve the Veteran's Medical Center during peak periods.

This route also has some rerouting through Eagan and Apple Valley.

Route 441

This route has been eliminated and replaced with Route 440 and the Red Line.

Route 442

There will be no service north of the Apple Valley Transit Station (riders will transfer to the Red Line or Route 440 to continue their trips).

Route 444

The southbound stop at County Road 5 and 136th Street has been eliminated. The schedule for other trips has been adjusted to allow for connections to the Red Line at the Cedar Grove Station.

Route 445

Time changes and route shortened to eliminate stop at Mall of America.

Route 464

Route 470

The trip that departs the Blackhawk Park and Ride at 8:11 a.m. will begin its route at the Eagan Transit Station.

Route 475

Five northbound and four southbound trips have been added to serve the Minnesota Zoo. In addition, special buses have been added from the University of Minnesota and downtown Minneapolis for nights when there are concerts at the zoo.

Route 476

Route 477

This route will no longer serve the Cedar Grove Transit Station. In addition, Route 477R leaving the Gateway Ramp in downtown Minneapolis at 2:59 will become a pure Route 477 and not stop at the Palomino Hills Park and Ride.

Route 478