Blue Line riders shift to buses starting June 29 for Minneapolis repairs

This summer, Minneapolis commuters relying on the METRO Blue Line will need to plan for longer trips and different boarding locations. Metro Transit says it will replace Blue Line light-rail service with replacement buses starting Monday, June 29, 2026, through Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, as part of the “Renew the Blue” maintenance and upgrades program.

For the Blue Line, the bus replacement covers the full line between Mall of America and Target Field. Metro Transit says the replacement buses will run every 15 minutes and stop at or near closed light-rail stations, with staff available throughout the construction period. Metro also notes that some boarding locations have been moved to Hiawatha Avenue to help speed up service.

Blue Line replacement buses: dates, frequency, and boarding changes

Metro Transit’s replacement bus plan runs during the same overall window for the Blue Line: June 29 through Aug. 19, 2026. During that period, replacement buses will run every 15 minutes and stop at or near light-rail stations.

Metro Transit also warns to expect changes at the station level. It says some boarding locations are moved to Hiawatha Avenue during the work, and staff will be out throughout the construction period to assist riders. (So, even if you know your usual boarding spot, it’s worth checking your stop and stop access point before you head out.)

Green Line downtown: two windows with buses between West Bank and Target Field

In addition to the Blue Line, Metro Transit will also replace a portion of the Green Line in downtown Minneapolis during two mid-summer windows. The affected segment is between West Bank and Target Field, with bus replacement coming:

• Wednesday, July 1, 2026 through Sunday, July 26, 2026
• Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026 through Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026

If you normally use the Green Line and then transfer to a southbound Blue Line at U.S. Bank Stadium Station, Metro Transit recommends a workaround: catch a replacement bus at West Bank Station instead.

Metro Transit also highlights alternatives during the disruption. For Blue Line customers, it says METRO D Line and routes 7, 9, and 22 can help. For the Green Line, it says the METRO E Line is a good option, running from Stadium Village to downtown Minneapolis and points south.

What to do now (before your next trip)

With replacement service beginning Monday, June 29, Metro Transit recommends riders take a few practical steps:

• Check replacement bus stop locations for your route—especially if your usual boarding is affected by changes near Hiawatha Avenue.
• Plan extra travel time. Metro Transit encourages riders to expect delays versus rail and to build extra time into trips.
• Consider alternate transit options Metro Transit lists for the disruptions, such as the METRO D Line, routes 7/9/22, or the METRO E Line.
• Use Rider Alerts for last-minute updates. Metro Transit’s Rider Alerts page is the live update point during service changes, and stop details can shift during construction.

For riders heading to and through Target Field and the broader downtown corridor, the big takeaway is timing: plan ahead now, confirm where you’ll board, and re-check Rider Alerts right before you travel this summer.

Sources

• Metro Transit News & Events: Blue/Green bus replacement for summer repairs (posted June 24, 2026)
• MPR News: “Twin Cities light rail lines need repairs, so riders will jump on buses this summer” (June 25, 2026)