UPDATE: A groundbreaking new transit service, Route 345, has officially launched, connecting the Woodbury area directly to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and the Mall of America. This new route began service on Sunday, marking a significant expansion for riders in Washington and Dakota County, and promising to enhance regional accessibility.
The introduction of Route 345 is a major move to provide “faster and more reliable service to the southeast metro,” according to Metro Transit officials. Buses on this route will operate every hour, from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, significantly reducing travel time. Commuters can now expect to cut their journey from Woodbury to the Mall of America by nearly 30 minutes, bringing total transit travel time down to about one hour.
“Two weeks ago, the trip would take about an hour and a half,” said Steve Baisden, senior service planner for Metro Transit. “Now, with Route 345, that travel time is cut almost in half.”
This new route is part of the Network Now initiative by the Metropolitan Council, designed to strengthen the transit network in response to the challenges posed by the pandemic. Alongside Route 345, two additional routes, 725 and 837, have also been introduced, all funded by the council’s Regional Transportation Sales and Use Tax.
“It’s a big day for the community and for the east metro,” said Karla Bigham, Washington County District 4 Commissioner. The service restoration at the Newport Transit Station is particularly noteworthy, as it had previously seen low ridership before its temporary closure in spring 2020.
Route 345 not only restores service at Newport but also connects to other significant routes, including the Gold Line, Blue Line, and Red Line. It features three Park & Ride lots located at Woodlane Station in Woodbury, the Newport Transit Center, and the 30th Avenue Station in Bloomington.
Bigham emphasized the importance of this route for residents, stating, “We didn’t have public transportation in the east metro to the airport or to the Mall of America, which is pretty important.” She highlighted that this service will be especially beneficial for those in one-car households or without vehicles, facilitating access to essential services and jobs.
As the transit landscape evolves, Baisden noted, “This is a route that’s providing new connections that were not possible prior to the pandemic.” The need for a route serving the east-west corridor emerged from extensive transit and ridership data, alongside community feedback.
Looking ahead, Route 345 is expected to enhance connectivity further as it plans to link with the upcoming G Line along South Robert Street, slated to open in 2028.
For those interested in utilizing this new transit option, detailed bus maps and schedules are available at metrotransit.org. This development is not just a transport upgrade; it represents a vital step towards rebuilding and expanding public transit accessibility in the region.
Stay tuned for more updates as Route 345 begins to shape the commuting experience in the southeast metro.
