Metro Transit debuted its new C Line Saturday morning with a celebration at Penn and Lowry featuring free rides, food trucks, and an appearance by Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. The new line is part of a rapid transit project and connects Brooklyn Center, North Minneapolis, and downtown Minneapolis using mainly Penn Avenue and Olson Memorial Highway.
Katie Roth is a bus rapid transit project manager with Metro Transit and has worked on the developing the C Line since 2012. She says the new line will be faster and more efficient. "Riders pay before they get on the bus, similar to riding the light rail," Roth said. "C Line buses don't stop between stations which are about a half-mile apart. The buses are moving a lot more of the time."
Over half of the buses on the C Line are fully electric and costs nearly $1.3 million each.Metro Transit plans to phase out diesel and hybrid buses over the next few years.
"They're made right here in Minnesota, so it's a great conribution to the Minnesota economy and a green contribution to the region," Roth said.
The C Line will substantially replace Route 19, which Metro Transit says will provide a 25 percent quicker trip.Metro Transit hopes to expand the rapid transit projects in the coming years with the Orange Line on 35W South scheduled to open in 2021 and then the D Line to open in 2022 if the required funding is met.
