Above: Metro Transit's new arterial bus rapid transit vehicle.
The local bus of the future pulled into Metro Transit's headquarters this week.
Agency employees gathered in the parking lot Monday afternoon for the arrival of the first urban or "arterial" rapid transit bus, which will make its debut next spring on Snelling Avenue. The A Line will be the first test of a new concept to overhaul local bus service in the Twin Cities, replicating efforts in other cities to speed core urban routes.
Aside from a wider-than-normal rear door, the new bus was most notable for what it lacked: Payment machines.
That's because passengers will be paying before they board and entering through either door — similar to light rail — to help speed service. The route will also feature longer spacing between stops, and buses will employ traffic signal priority technology to move more easily through lights.
The preboarding payment system requires new ticket machines, which were also on display Monday at Metro Transit. The devices at each stop will accept credit cards for those passengers who lack a GoTo card or cash.
Police will make random ticket checks on the bus to ensure compliance, similar to light rail.
The 20-station A Line is expected to cost approximately $27 million, more than half of which will pay for enhanced bus stops. The stops will feature tall, real-time arrival screens, heated shelters and security cameras. Several stations will have higher curbs to ease boarding difficulties.
