E Line BRT ridership doubles forecasts in six months
Metro Transit's E Line bus-rapid-transit service has averaged about 5,600 rides per day in its first six months, nearly double the agency's forecast and prompting plans to expand BRT across the Twin Cities.[1]
The E Line runs from Southdale to the University of Minnesota, replacing Route 6 and adding upgraded stations with lighting, cameras, real-time information and ticket machines.[1] Businesses near 50th and France and in Linden Hills reported 40%-60% revenue drops during construction but now say they have more visitors and easier customer access.[1] Metro Transit says the E Line's strong start bolsters plans for a new BRT line in St. Paul next year and for developing additional lines in the future.[1]
A 2014 Metro Transit Arterial Transitway Corridors Study identified the Route 6 corridor as one of twelve local routes slated for upgrade to bus rapid transit. Planning and design advanced in 2019. The Metropolitan Council approved the recommended routing along Hennepin, University and France avenues in 2020-21, and the state provided $60 million in full funding in 2021. Construction began in 2024 to replace Route 6, which had carried about 9,000 weekday trips before the E Line launched.
The mainstream summary overlooks the fact that the E Line's predecessor, Route 6, carried over 8,000 weekday trips in 2019 and approximately 9,000 trips just before the E Line launched. This context highlights the significant increase in ridership, as the E Line's daily average of 5,600 rides represents not just a doubling of forecasts but also a notable recovery and growth compared to its predecessor's performance.[2])
Moreover, while the summary mentions the economic impact on businesses near the E Line, it does not address broader findings from studies indicating that improved public transit access, particularly through BRT systems, can lead to increased job growth and higher office rent premiums in urban areas. Enhanced transit options not only attract more visitors but also contribute to the overall economic vitality of the neighborhoods they serve.[2])
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📊 Relevant Data
The Route 6 bus service replaced by the E Line carried more than 8,000 weekday trips in 2019 and approximately 9,000 weekday trips prior to the E Line launch. ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metro_E_Line_(Minnesota)))
Metro E Line (Minnesota) — Wikipedia
The E Line project received $60 million in full state funding from Minnesota in 2021. ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metro_E_Line_(Minnesota)))
Metro E Line (Minnesota) — Wikipedia
📌 Key Facts
- Metro Transit’s E Line BRT has averaged about 5,600 rides per day in its first six months, nearly double agency expectations.
- The E Line runs from Southdale to the University of Minnesota, replacing Route 6 and adding upgraded stations with lighting, cameras, real‑time info and ticket machines.
- Businesses at 50th & France and in Linden Hills report 40%–60% revenue drops during construction but now describe increased visitors and improved customer access.
- Metro Transit cites the E Line’s performance as support for launching a new BRT line in St. Paul next year and developing additional lines in the future.
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