New Metro Transit Route 345 Launches, Cutting Travel Times by 30 Minutes

UPDATE: A new Metro Transit bus route, Route 345, officially launched on Sunday, linking riders from the Woodbury area to the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and the Mall of America. This urgent development aims to provide faster and more reliable transit options for the communities in Washington and Dakota counties.

Local leaders are celebrating this significant expansion. “It’s a big day for the community,” said Karla Bigham, Washington County District 4 Commissioner. The new service returns to the Newport Transit Station and offers critical connectivity to existing routes such as the Gold Line, Blue Line, and Red Line.

With buses running hourly from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., the new Route 345 is set to reduce commute times between Woodbury and the Mall of America by nearly 30 minutes. Previously, travelers faced a lengthy journey of over an hour and a half, but now they can make the trip in under an hour, according to Metro Transit senior service planner Steve Baisden.

“This is a route that’s providing new connections that were not possible prior to the pandemic,” Baisden noted. The establishment of Route 345 is part of the Network Now initiative, a project by the Metropolitan Council aimed at enhancing the regional transit system in response to changing travel patterns.

In addition to Route 345, Metro Transit has introduced two other new routes, 725 and 837, and added new stops to existing routes, all funded by the council’s Regional Transportation Sales and Use Tax. Baisden emphasized that Route 345 will not only restore service at Newport but also improve access along the Highway 62 and I-494 corridors.

The new route is particularly vital for residents without vehicles or those living in one-car households. “It allows people to have access to our communities,” Bigham said. The connection to the Gold Line in Woodbury is expected to serve even more residents once the Gold Line extends into Minneapolis.

Route 345 includes three Park & Ride facilities at Woodlane Station in Woodbury, the Newport Transit Center, and 30th Avenue Station in Bloomington. Each location is designed to enhance commuter convenience and accessibility.

For those planning to use the new bus service, Metro Transit encourages riders to check the updated bus map and schedule available at metrotransit.org. The new route is a crucial step in revitalizing public transit options in the east metro area and responding to the evolving needs of the community.

As Route 345 begins its service, officials anticipate increased ridership, especially at the Newport Transit Station, which had struggled with low numbers before its closure in spring 2020. The positive impact of this new route is expected to resonate throughout the community as it connects residents to jobs and essential services.

Keep an eye on further developments as Metro Transit continues to adapt its services to meet the growing demand for efficient public transportation in the region.