Buses replacing METRO Blue Line trains for 10 days starting September 22

Improvements aimed at ensuring reliable light rail service into the future

To allow for necessary maintenance, replacement buses will be used to carry passengers along the full length of the METRO Blue Line beginning Monday, Sept. 22, and continuing through the start of scheduled service on Saturday, Oct. 4.

METRO Green Line riders will also be directed to replacement buses between the U.S. Bank Stadium and Target Field stations during this time.

Replacement buses are being used so crews can replace sections of worn track and equipment that has reached the end of its useful life and needs to be updated to maintain reliable light rail service. Cleaning and repairs will also occur at light rail stations and bridges.

"The Blue Line is a critical part of our transit network, and we need to continually maintain and improve this investment so it remains a safe, reliable, and convenient way for people to get where they need to go," General Manager Lesley Kandaras said. "We are ready to support Blue Line riders with replacement bus service until rail service resumes, and we thank riders for their understanding during this time."

Riders urged to plan ahead

Replacement buses will operate more frequently than trains - up to every 8 to 15 minutes throughout the day - and stop at or near light rail stations until train service resumes. Riders should plan extra time as bus trips will take longer than train trips. For some portions of the corridor, replacement buses may take twice as long to travel between light rail stations compared to trains.

Throughout the project, Metro Transit staff will be at boarding locations to assist riders. Transit Rider Investment Program (TRIP) Agents will also be present on replacement buses.

To prepare for the temporary use of replacement buses, Blue Line riders are encouraged to review replacement bus maps, explore alternatives like the METRO D Line, sign up for text and e-mail updates, and download Metro Transit's mobile ticketing app so they can easily purchase fares before boarding.

More Blue Line maintenance work ahead

This is the first of several projects scheduled in the coming years as part of the broader "Renew the Blue" effort being undertaken to maintain and improve the 20-year-old Blue Line, which provides more than 17,000 rides a day.

In 2026 and 2027, there will be additional work to replace track and other infrastructure, along with full renovations of the Lake Street/Midtown and Franklin Avenue stations and other station improvements. Planned station improvements include new lighting, real-time signage, glass replacement and other work aimed at making stations safer and more comfortable.

Information about future efforts, along with a tentative timeline, can be found on Metro Transit's website.

More frequent Blue Line service coming in October

Beginning Oct. 4, 2025, Blue Line trains will begin running every 12 minutes at 7 a.m., rather than mid-morning. The more frequent service is a result of successful train operator hiring efforts.

Contact: Laura Baenen, [email protected]