Urgent Update: New Metro Transit Route 345 Launches Today!

UPDATE: A new Metro Transit bus route, Route 345, has just launched, connecting riders from Washington and Dakota County to the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and the Mall of America. This service began today, marking a significant expansion in transit options for the east metro community.

According to Metro Transit officials, Route 345 aims to provide “faster and more reliable service” to the southeast metro, with buses running every hour from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. The new route is expected to cut commute times between Woodbury and the Mall of America by nearly 30 minutes. “Previously, the trip could take up to an hour and a half; now it’s almost halved with Route 345,” stated Steve Baisden, senior service planner at Metro Transit.

This new service is part of the Network Now initiative, designed by the Metropolitan Council to enhance the regional transit network, especially in the wake of the pandemic. Alongside Route 345, two additional routes, 725 and 837, have also been introduced, funded through the council’s Regional Transportation Sales and Use Tax.

Karla Bigham, Washington County District 4 Commissioner, expressed her enthusiasm: “It’s a big day for the community. This expansion brings essential transit options for those who need to reach the airport or the Mall of America.” The route also restores service to the Newport Transit Station, which had been closed due to low ridership during the pandemic.

The route connects seamlessly with existing lines such as the Gold Line, Blue Line, and Red Line, enhancing access across the region. Baisden emphasized the importance of this development: “This route provides new connections that were not possible prior to the pandemic, responding to the changing travel patterns of our riders.”

The Park & Ride facilities at Woodlane Station in Woodbury, Newport Transit Center, and 30th Avenue Station in Bloomington further support this new service. “We expect to see increased ridership at Newport with these changes,” Bigham added.

Residents who lack vehicles or are in one-car households will particularly benefit from this new route, which is crucial for improving access to jobs and services in the south metro area. Bigham noted, “It’s a long time coming, allowing people to access our communities more easily.”

As the community adapts to this new route, Metro Transit encourages everyone to check the updated bus map and schedule at metrotransit.org for more information on this transformative service.

Stay tuned for more updates as Route 345 begins its journey, reshaping transit options for countless residents in the region.