With recent news that plans for the Blue Line extension are falling apart due to failed negotiations with the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad, now would be a good time to discuss (again) whether serving the northwest suburbs with light rail is the best use of local, state and federal transit funding.
While the Green Line extension is already well under construction, looking into future transit corridors in the form of BRT (bus rapid transit) leads one to conclude that there are better options.
Consider the numbers:
The 13-mile Blue Line extension is (or was) projected to cost $1.5 billion. Of that, $129 million has already been spent on planning and engineering. If we resolve to spend the whole budget, that leaves roughly $1.37 billion.
Let's look next at what many see as the most successful bus line in the region: the A Line, which began service in 2016 between Rosedale Center in Roseville and the 46th Street station in Minneapolis. It runs along nine miles of Snelling Avenue, Ford Parkway and 46th Street. This BRT line provides high-frequency service, with only 10 minutes between buses. The project cost roughly $27 million.
If we were to rebuild that line from start to finish now, let's say it would cost $30 million due to inflation.
Taking the two numbers — $1.37 billion and $30 million — we're left with an enlightening comparison. The cost of one Blue Line extension could fund roughly 45 A Lines.
Now, close your eyes. Imagine what we could do with 45 new BRT lines serving the northwest suburbs. Even with 22 lines, each double the cost or length of the A Line, it would make an exceptional impact on the transit-riding public due to improved connectivity.