New Metro Transit Route 345 Launches, Cuts Commute by 30 Minutes
UPDATE: A groundbreaking new bus route, Route 345, officially launched on October 15, 2023, connecting riders in Washington and Dakota County directly to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and the Mall of America. This urgent expansion aims to provide faster transportation options for residents, cutting commute times by nearly 30 minutes.
The new service, which operates from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily with buses running every hour, restores vital connections at the Newport Transit Station, enhancing regional accessibility. “It’s a big day for the community and for the east metro to be able to have this expansion of transit,” said Karla Bigham, Washington County District 4 Commissioner.
According to Metro Transit, the new route has been designed to improve reliability and speed for southeast metro residents. “Previously, a trip from Woodbury to the Mall of America could take over an hour and a half,” stated Steve Baisden, senior service planner. “Now, with Route 345, that travel time is cut almost in half.”
Route 345 connects seamlessly to other vital routes, including the Gold Line, Blue Line, and Red Line, enhancing overall network access. This new transit option is part of the Network Now initiative, aimed at revitalizing public transportation in the wake of the pandemic’s impact, funded by the council’s Regional Transportation Sales and Use Tax.
Bigham emphasized the significance of this route in addressing the transportation needs of residents who rely on public transit, stating, “We didn’t have public transportation in the east metro… to the airport or to the Mall of America, which is pretty important.” The introduction of Route 345 is expected to increase ridership at Newport, which had seen a decline prior to its temporary closure in 2020.
Residents can expect improved accessibility along the Highway 62 and I-494 corridors, making it easier for them to reach jobs and services in the south metro. “This route provides new connections that were not possible before,” Baisden added, highlighting the route’s response to shifting travel patterns post-pandemic.
In addition to Route 345, Metro Transit has launched two other new routes, 725 and 837, enhancing service options across the region. Future plans include extending Route 345’s connections to the G Line along South Robert Street, set to open in 2028.
For more details on the bus schedule and map, visit metrotransit.org. This transformative new route marks a significant step forward in enhancing public transportation options for the growing communities of the southeast metro area, ensuring residents have reliable access to essential services and amenities.
