Politics & Government

Bus Rapid Transit Route Will Likely Be Operational on June 22

The first phase of rapid transit service will include five stations, beginning at the Apple Valley Transit Station and ending at the Mall of America. Fares will be $1.75 for adults during non-peak times.

Service on the long-awaited Cedar Avenue Bus Rapid Transit route—which will eventually stretch from Lakeville to Bloomington—is expected to begin on June 22.

Construction delays have pushed back the launch of the rapid transit route, which was originally slated to open up in November 2012, according to a report in the Star Tribune. While the route, known as the Red Line, still needs approval from the Metropolitan Council to begin running, Dakota County, the Met Council and the Minnesota Valley Transit Authority have all recommended the June 22 start date, the Star Tribune reported.

Cedar Avenue is one of the most traveled roads in Dakota County, according to county officials, with approximately 100,000 vehicles traveling it daily. That number is expected to almost double over the next 20 years due to growth along the corridor.

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The first phase of rapid transit service will include five stations, beginning at the Apple Valley Transit Station and ending at the Mall of America, where it will connect with the Hiawatha light rail for access to downtown Minneapolis.

Service will run every day of the week, with frequent trips. Fares for adults will be $2.25 during rush hor or $1.75 during non-peak times.

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