But I really wonder what the need is for this type of service. Is there a big eniugh demand for service to the MOA as regularly as this route will provide?

I agree that BRT would be pointless without express service. However, if LRT were ever extended to Dakota County via Cedar Avenue (assuming that a new bridge is constructed), LRT transit between downtown Minneapolis and Apple Valley would approximate a BRT trip between MOA and AV with a connection to LRT at MOA. (I know that many people want Hiawatha to be extended down Cedar. No matter what, it would be slower than express bus service.)

While I have no authority regarding any service changes, a couple improvements constructed under the UPA suggest that MVTA will continue to provide express service for commuters. First, a “transit advantage” lane will be constructed from NB 77 to WB 62, which will allow express buses to avoid the God-awful cloverleaf at the 77/62 interchange. Second, the MVTA, in its BRT publications, discuss the construction and design of dual-bus lanes on Marquette and 2nd Avenue in downtown Minneapolis. With respect to these two service improvements, why would MVTA mention these improvements if MVTA were only to offer service as far north as MOA?

My thinking is that express bus service will be expanded both to park-and-ride lots and to Cedar Avenue station stops (e.g., 147th Street Station), and that service between MOA and the south suburbs will be expanded, with MOA serving as a transit hub for bus/rail connections. Just like if you ever miss the 477 out of downtown, you can take LRT to MOA and pick up the 442 to the Apple Valley Transit Station, it appears that BRT would provide improved service between MOA and AV.

If my initial thoughts are wrong, then I do not see this as a huge improvement when you consider that there are already all-day routes that run from the south suburbs to MOA. BRT should cater to the needs of the daily commuter as much as it should cater to transit-dependent riders (typically, local routes).

In the article it refers to how much “faster” the BRT option will be and that beginning “in 2010, the Minnesota Valley Transit Authority will launch a fleet of 10 hybrid buses to carry Cedar Avenue commuters 16 miles from Lakeville to the Mall of America in Bloomington.”

I’m still waiting to hear if this stupid fucking plan (which will definitely double transit time to Minneapolis) will replace the 477 routes or if it will just be another option in addition to them. Unfortunately, with all the road work that this project will require, I have a feeling that MVTA and Dakota County and really planning on replacing the much more time efficient 477 route.

Assholes.

I have an e-mail in to Sam O’Connell and will post any updates as soon as I hear. If I don’t get a response from him in the next few hours, I’ll give him a call before the end of the day.