Proposed Changes for Route 61 Bus
Route 61 is a local bus route providing service between downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul via Hennepin, Larpenteur, and Arlington avenues. The route also travels along Arcade St. in the Payne-Phalen area to downtown St. Paul via 7th St. E.
Metro Transit is partnering with the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul to improve service on Route 61. Proposed changes include:
Consolidating bus stops for up to quarter-mile spacing to increase trip efficiency
Eliminating the limited-service Route 61B along Industrial Blvd. and Godward St.
Adjusting the route schedule to better reflect travel times
Expanding the no-parking zone to ensure buses can fully pull to the curb at the bus stop
Installing concrete pads to improve accessibility for customers
Installing new shelters at qualifying bus stops
Changes will be implemented in August 2025.
Project schedule
February 2025 - March 2025: Community engagement
April - May 2025: Review input and finalize recommendations
August 2025: Implement changes
Project contacts
Julie Martinez, Community Outreach Coordinator
Julie.Martinez@metrotransit.org
Media contact
John Komarek, Communications Specialist
John.Komarek@metrotransit.org