Metro Transit

190 photos · 2012–2026

190 photographs tagged Metro Transit, 2012–2026.

Union Depot station sign in St. Paul directing passengers to downtown Minneapolis via light rail. — Union Depot in St. Paul, Minnesota, is a regional transportation hub serving light rail, buses, and Amtrak. The restored 1923 terminal reopened in 2012 after decades of decline and renovation.

St. Louis Park water tower and grain elevator illuminated at dusk above the Cedar Lake Trail paved path. — The Cedar Lake LRT Regional Trail in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. This paved trail follows a former railroad corridor, originally part of the Minneapolis & St. Louis Railway.

Metro Transit light rail bridge spanning Hiawatha Avenue in South Minneapolis at night. — The Metro Transit light rail bridge spans Hiawatha Avenue in South Minneapolis. Completed in 2018, this structure is part of the Blue Line's expansion.

Target Field Northttar Train Station in Minneapolis — Target Field Station and Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota, are shown at night. The station serves as a transit hub for the Northstar Line and Metro Transit, connecting commuters and fans to downtown Minneapolis. Target Field, opened in 2010, is the home ballpark of the Minnesota Twins baseball team and is located in the city's North Loop neighborhood.

Riverside Plaza and Light Rail tracks April 2019 — The METRO Blue Line curves toward downtown Minneapolis near the Cedar–Riverside neighborhood, passing below the colorful concrete towers of Riverside Plaza at sunset. The complex, designed by architect Ralph Rapson and completed in 1973, is one of the city’s most distinctive examples of Brutalist modernism.

Riverside Plaza and the Light Rail Tracks — Riverside Plaza stands tall beyond the METRO Blue Line overpass in the Cedar–Riverside district of Minneapolis. The colorful panels of the 1970s residential towers contrast with the new mid-rise apartments and light rail infrastructure built decades later.

Metro Transit light rail tracks curve past Riverside Plaza in Minneapolis’s Cedar-Riverside neighborhood. — Metro Transit light rail tracks by Riverside Plaza in Minneapolis’s Cedar-Riverside neighborhood. Riverside Plaza is a large housing complex along the light rail corridor near Interstate 35W. The tracks curve through the area south of downtown Minneapolis.

Long train of empty freight cars lined up on railroad tracks beside green spring vegetation. — The Metro Transit Green Line Extension, also known as the Southwest Light Rail Transit project, is a roughly 14.5-mile light rail line under construction between Minneapolis and Eden Prairie, Minnesota. It extends the existing Green Line, which opened in 2014 and links downtown Minneapolis with downtown St. Paul. Building the line requires delivering continuous welded rail in long sections, typically hauled on specialized flatcars like the ones pictured here. Metro Transit, the regional transit authority for the Twin Cities, is overseeing construction and will operate the completed extension.

Workers install new rail tracks for the Metro Transit Green Line Extension in St. Louis Park. — Crews working the Southwest LRT line in St. Louis Park use a rail loader car, a flatbed-mounted machine that threads long steel rails off a train and positions them along the roadbed for installation. The Southwest LRT, known operationally as the Green Line Extension, is a Metropolitan Council project extending light rail service roughly 14.5 miles from Minneapolis through St. Louis Park, Hopkins, Minnetonka, and Eden Prairie. The line runs largely along former freight corridors, requiring extensive new track construction rather than simple conversion of existing rail. Rail-loading equipment like this allows crews to deliver continuous welded rail sections directly to the grade, reducing the need for separate hauling and placement steps during construction.

Yellow railroad maintenance vehicle operates on light rail tracks during Southwest LRT construction in St. Louis Park. — The Southwest LRT, also known as the Green Line Extension, is a light rail project extending Metro Transit's existing Green Line roughly 14.5 miles from Minneapolis through St. Louis Park, Hopkins, Minnetonka, and Eden Prairie. Construction has required extensive work on existing freight rail corridors, including track realignment and maintenance to accommodate shared and adjacent rail lines. The project is being built and overseen by the Metropolitan Council, with completion delayed multiple times past its original targeted opening.

Aerial view of light rail construction equipment crossing railroad tracks at Green Line and Beltline Boulevard in St. Louis Park. — Beltline Boulevard crosses a freight rail corridor in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, just west of Minneapolis. The tracks here run through the Southwest LRT corridor, part of the route being rebuilt for the METRO Green Line Extension connecting downtown Minneapolis to Eden Prairie.

A trail detour sign in Minneapolis directs cyclists and pedestrians around Southwest LRT construction. The sign shows rerouted paths for the Cedar Lake Trail and Kenilworth Corridor. — A "Trail Detour" sign provides navigation for cyclists and pedestrians around construction for the Southwest Light Rail Transit (SWLRT) project in Minneapolis. The map details rerouted paths, indicating temporary closures along popular routes like the Cedar Lake Trail and the Kenilworth Corridor.

Kenilworth Trail detour with stop sign and construction barriers during Southwest Light Rail construction in Minneapolis. — The Kenilworth Trail at the Midtoiwn Greeenway pictured in June 2019.

John Deere 843L feller buncher clearing vegetation for Southwest Light Rail Transit construction in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. — A John Deere 843L feller buncher sits parked near the railway tracks in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, during the early stages of construction for the Southwest Light Rail Transit (LRT) project. Designed primarily for forestry work, this heavy-duty machine—with its massive front grapple and thick treaded tires—was adapted for clearing brush and trees along the rail corridor.

Construction equipment and excavation site at Louisiana Avenue light rail station in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. — Metro Transit Louisiana Avenue Green Line Light Rail station prior to construction.

Cedar Lake Trail Closes in June 2019 — Kenilworth Trail n Minneapolis prior to major light rail construction.

Cedar Lake Trail Closes at Cedar Lake Parkway — Closure of Cedar Lake Trail at Cedar Lake Parkway as part of the Metro Transit Green Line Extension construction.

A John Deere feller buncher sits at the Southwest LRT construction site in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, used for clearing trees for the new transit line. — A John Deere feller buncher, a heavy-duty forestry machine, is parked at the Southwest Light Rail Transit (LRT) construction site in St. Louis Park, Minnesota.

Burnham Trail in Minneapolis closed for Southwest LRT light rail construction, June 2019. — The Burnham Trail portion of the Kenilworth Trail in Minneapolis. Photo taken in June 2019 after the trail closed in preparation for the Southwest LRT light rail construction.

Illuminated mulch piles steam on the Midtown Greenway during Metro Transit light rail construction in Minneapolis. — Steaming mulch seen on the Midtown Greenway during Metro Transit's light rail construction work.

Excavated construction site along Kenilworth Trail with brick building and modern apartment tower in Minneapolis. — Construction on the area that was the Kenilworth Trail that connected the Midtown Greenway with the Cedar Lake Trail. The trail was closed for years for construction of the new Metro Transit Green Line Light Rail line.

Yellow Grove mobile crane on Kenilworth Trail in Minneapolis during Southwest LRT construction. — This Grove RT600E rough-terrain crane, operated by C.S. McCrossan, was staged along the Kenilworth Trail during construction of Metro Transit's Southwest LRT Green Line Extension. The crane can lift up to 60 tons and extend a boom beyond 100 feet, making it suited for setting bridge and tunnel components along the corridor. The Kenilworth corridor carries freight rail and a recreational trail between the Chain of Lakes and downtown Minneapolis, and became a major staging area for the light-rail line's tunnel and bridge work. C.S. McCrossan, a Minnesota-based heavy civil contractor, has worked on multiple segments of the Southwest LRT project.

Kenilworth Trail Bridge Deconstruction — Kenilworth trail bridge over the Cedar Lake to Lake of the Isles channel being dismantled during Metro Green Line Extension construction.

The trail just after closure — A freight train travels down the freight rails during the early days of the Metro Green Line Extension project.

Deteriorated wooden bridge spanning Cedar Lake channel alongside Burnham Trail in Minneapolis during Green Line Extension — The bridge over the Cedar Lake/Lake of the Isles channel in Minneapolis. The bridge was removed and replaced during construction of the Metro Transit Green Line Extension.

Orange safety fencing installed along Kenilworth Trail during Metro Green Line Extension construction in Minneapolis. — The Kenilworth Trail runs alongside active freight and light-rail tracks through the Kenilworth Corridor, a narrow strip of land connecting the Chain of Lakes to downtown Minneapolis. The corridor has long carried both recreational trail traffic and rail lines, a dual use that predates the current Green Line Extension project. Construction fencing here marks work tied to that extension, which is adding light-rail tracks through the same shared right-of-way used by the trail and freight rail. The project has required temporary trail reroutes and vegetation clearing along sections of the corridor during construction.

Grove construction crane and equipment on railroad tracks along the Kenilworth Trail in Minneapolis. — The Kenilworth Trail follows a former Milwaukee Road rail corridor connecting Minneapolis's Cedar Lake and Lake of the Isles areas to Hopkins. The corridor has been used for freight rail, bike and pedestrian paths, and is the planned route for the Metro Green Line Extension light rail. Construction crews have used the rail line for staging materials, including ties and ballast, during the extension's preliminary work. A Grove mobile crane, commonly used for lifting rail and bridge components, appears among the equipment staged along the tracks.

Paved trail winds through dense deciduous forest with mature trees lining both sides. — The Kenilworth Trail runs through the Kenilworth corridor connecting the Chain of Lakes area with downtown Minneapolis, following a former rail right-of-way once used by freight lines. The paved path is shared by pedestrians and cyclists and links to the regional Grand Rounds trail network. The corridor has long been the subject of planning debate as the proposed route for the Southwest Light Rail Transit extension of the Metro Green Line, with construction requiring the trail to be rerouted and rebuilt in sections alongside the new rail line.

Cedar Lake Trail closing over Minehaha Creek — The bridge over Minnehaha Creek on the Cedar Lake Trail during Metro Green Line Extension construction.

Cedar Lake Regional Trail Light Rail Construction — Ripped up Cedar Lake Trail during the METRO Green Line Extension construction. Seen in Juily 2019.

Cedar Lake Trail ripped up during train construction — The Cedar Lake Trail in the early days of the METRO Green Line Extension light rail project. The new line will connect Eden Prairie to St Paul.

Tree-lined path on Kenilworth Trail in Minneapolis during Southwest light rail construction in July 2019. — Trees being cleared out on the Kenilworth Trail in Minneapolis during Metro Transit Green Line light rail construction.

Fenced pathway along Kenilworth Trail in Minneapolis during Southwest Light Rail construction in 2019. — The Kenilworth Trail construction seen on July 23, 2019. The trail was closed for years

Unpaved construction path beneath highway overpass along Cedar Lake Trail during Metro Transit Green Line Extension project in — The Cedar Lake Trail shortly after it was ripped up during the Metro Transit Green Line Extension light rail project. The trail re-opened in 2025.

Freight train alongside excavated Cedar Lake Trail during Southwest Light Rail construction in Minneapolis, August 2019. — The view of what was the Cedar Lake Trail seen from Burnham Road. The trail was ripped up during light rail construction that will bring a train from Eden Prairie to Minneapolis to St. Paul.

Tree Removal on Cedar Lake Trail in St. Louis Park — Trees being removed on the Cedar Lake Trail in St. Louis Park during the Metro Green Line Extension Construction.

Queensboro Plaza elevated train station platform with steel trusswork, tracks, and Manhattan skyline visible beyond. — Queensboro Plaza elevated train station in Long Island City, Queens, New York City. The station features multiple tracks and platforms, with the distinctive green and steel structure of the elevated railway overhead. This station is a key transit hub, serving as a transfer point for the 7 train and formerly for the Long Island Rail Road. Its construction and ongoing operation are integral to the connectivity of Queens with Manhattan and the rest of the city's transit network.

Wooden formwork and steel shoring towers support bridge deck construction over Highway 100 during Green Line Extension light rail — The Green Line Extension is a light rail project adding 14.5 miles of track between Minneapolis and Eatan Prairie, with a bridge crossing over Highway 100 in St. Louis Park as one of its structures. Metro Transit and the Metropolitan Council oversee the project, which extends the existing Green Line that currently runs between Minneapolis and Saint Paul. Formwork and shoring towers built from wood and steel supports are standard methods for pouring concrete bridge decks and piers during highway-spanning construction like this.

Construction equipment and containment barriers along Cedar Lake during Metro Green Line Extension work in Minneapolis. — The Kenilworth Channel connects Cedar Lake and Lake of the Isles in Minneapolis, carrying both water traffic and the Kenilworth Trail along its banks. Construction here is tied to the Metro Green Line Extension, a light-rail project that runs through the Kenilworth corridor en route to Eden Prairie.

Stacked concrete railroad crossing panels with metal reinforcement stored outdoors in Minneapolis. — Precast concrete panels like these form the running surface of a railroad grade crossing, fitting between and alongside the rails so vehicles can pass over the tracks without damaging their tires or suspensions.

Concrete retaining wall along Cedar Lake Trail in St. Louis Park with industrial building and mature trees. — Cedar Lake Trail runs along a former rail corridor connecting the Kenilworth area of Minneapolis to St. Louis Park, used today by cyclists and pedestrians. The trail parallels the alignment of the Metro Green Line Extension, a light rail project linking downtown Minneapolis to Eden Prairie. Construction along this corridor required new retaining walls and the clearing of vegetation to accommodate the rail line. St. Louis Park station is one of several planned stops along this western stretch of the route.

Snow-covered light rail tracks and traffic signals in downtown Minneapolis during a winter storm. — The METRO Blue and Green Line light rail tracks run through downtown Minneapolis along a shared corridor near the Warehouse District. Metro Transit operates the system, which connects downtown to the Mall of America, the airport, and the University of Minnesota. Overhead catenary wires power the trains along fixed rails embedded in the roadway. Snowstorms are common in the region between November and March, and Metro Transit crews use heated switches and de-icing equipment to keep the rail lines operational during winter weather.

Warehouse District/Hennepin light rail station on North 5th Street in downtown Minneapolis, empty during early morning hours. — Warehouse District/Hennepin Station sits on North 5th Street in downtown Minneapolis, one of the stops serving Metro Transit's METRO Blue and Green Line trains. The station connects riders to downtown St. Paul and the Mall of America along one route, and to the Warehouse District's bars, theaters, and entertainment venues at street level. Metro Transit operates the regional light rail system, which opened its first line in 2004. This platform recorded far lower ridership in late March 2020, after Minnesota's statewide stay-at-home order took effect during the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Metro Transit buses parked in a North Minneapolis storage lot at night. — Metro Transit operates the bulk of bus and rail service across Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the surrounding Twin Cities metro area. Its fleet includes standard 40-foot coaches like the ones numbered here, typically pulled from routes for storage, repair, or reassignment between garages. During the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, the agency cut scheduled service significantly as ridership dropped, leaving more buses parked than usual. Metro Transit is run by the Metropolitan Council, the regional planning body that also oversees transit for the seven-county Twin Cities area.

Cedar-Riverside light rail station platform sign in Minneapolis directing passengers to downtown via the Blue Line. — Cedar-Riverside Station serves the METRO Blue and Green Lines in Minneapolis, adjacent to the West Bank neighborhood and University of Minnesota. Opened in 2004 as part of the original Hiawatha Line, it sits near Augsburg University and the Cedar-Riverside residential towers, an area historically home to a large East African immigrant community.

Cedar-Riverside Blue Line station platform at night in Minneapolis with yellow safety edge and rail tracks. — Cedar-Riverside Station sits along Metro Transit's Blue Line, formerly the Hiawatha Line, which opened in 2004 as the region's first light-rail route. The station serves the Cedar-Riverside and West Bank neighborhoods, just south of downtown Minneapolis and adjacent to the University of Minnesota's West Bank campus. The Blue Line runs roughly 12 miles between downtown Minneapolis, Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, and the Mall of America in Bloomington. Metro Transit operates the line with trains arriving every 7 to 10 minutes during peak service hours.

Construction of the Cedar Lake Trail tunnel under Wooddale Avenue in St. Louis Park at night. — The Cedar Lake Trail tunnel carries the regional bike and pedestrian path beneath Wooddale Avenue in St. Louis Park. The trail connects Minneapolis's Kenilworth corridor to the western suburbs, following a former railroad right-of-way. This segment was rebuilt as part of the Southwest Light Rail Transit project, which required reconstructing Wooddale Avenue and its crossing structures to accommodate the new Green Line extension.

Red steel bridge structure under construction over Excelsior Boulevard in St. Louis Park at dusk. — This bridge carries the Southwest Light Rail Transit extension, also known as the Green Line Extension, over Excelsior Boulevard in St. Louis Park. The project adds roughly 14.5 miles of track connecting downtown Minneapolis to Eden Prairie, with stops planned throughout St. Louis Park, Hopkins, Minnetonka, and Eden Prairie. The Metropolitan Council oversees construction, which involves building new bridges and retaining walls along the corridor to carry trains over existing roads and rail lines.

Shattered window at Lake Street/Midtown Station in Minneapolis, with broken glass on the sidewalk. — Lake Street/Midtown Station in Minneapolis stands with a shattered ground-floor window on May 28, 2020. The Metro Transit light rail station sustained visible damage during the third day of unrest in the city after the killing of George Floyd. Broken glass remains on the sidewalk outside the station entrance, where signage for the transit facility is still visible.

Shattered doors and windows at Lake Street/Midtown station in Minneapolis. — Damage to the entrance of the Lake Street/Midtown light rail station in Minneapolis is visible on May 28, 2020, with shattered glass in the doors and station windows. Operated by Metro Transit, the station is part of the Blue Line and serves the Lake Street corridor in south Minneapolis. The damage occurred during the third day of unrest in the city after the killing of George Floyd.

Metro Transit Blue Line train at Warehouse District/Hennepin Avenue Station in Minneapolis at dusk. — The Warehouse District/Hennepin Avenue Station serves Metro Transit's METRO Blue Line, which runs between downtown Minneapolis and the Mall of America in Bloomington via Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport. The line opened in 2004 as the region's first light rail line, originally branded the Hiawatha Line. This station sits along Hennepin Avenue in the Warehouse District, a neighborhood of former wholesale and manufacturing buildings that now houses bars, theaters, and offices.

Burned AutoZone rubble on East Lake Street in Minneapolis, with a damaged Metro Transit sign in the foreground. — The burned remains of the AutoZone store on East Lake Street in Minneapolis fill the frame, with a damaged Metro Transit sign lying across the rubble in the foreground. The store was among the first buildings destroyed during the unrest that followed the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police in May 2020. East Lake Street, a major commercial corridor in south Minneapolis, sustained widespread fire damage and business losses during that period. Store signs for Aldi and Walgreens are visible in the background beyond the debris.

Protest graffiti on a former Metro Transit bus shelter at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis. — A former Metro Transit bus shelter at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis is covered with protest messages and symbols at the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue. The glass panels bear hand-painted phrases including “Power,” “No Justice No Peace,” and “White Silence Is Violence,” along with raised-fist imagery and other markings. After the murder of George Floyd in May 2020, the intersection became a community-maintained memorial and protest site, and transit structures there were repurposed as surfaces for mourning and political expression.

Metro Transit facility sign on blue building in Minneapolis North Loop. — Metro Transit operates the bus and rail network for the Minneapolis–St. Paul region under the Metropolitan Council, serving the Twin Cities' seven-county metro area. The agency runs the METRO light rail lines along with an extensive bus system, including the North Loop routes that connect downtown Minneapolis to surrounding neighborhoods. Metro Transit's headquarters and operations facilities are scattered across the metro, supporting a system that carries tens of millions of rides annually.

Metro Transit heart stencil and “IN THIS TOGETHER” message on a Minneapolis sidewalk. — Metro Transit stencil art on a sidewalk in Minneapolis’s North Loop neighborhood features the agency’s white “T” inside a red heart above the words “IN THIS TOGETHER.” The marking appears outside a Metro Transit facility and references the Twin Cities regional transit operator.

Metro Transit light rail vehicle stationed at a maintenance facility in south Minneapolis at night. — A Metro Transit light rail vehicle sits outside a maintenance and storage facility in South Minneapolis. The building services light rail cars operating on the METRO system, which includes the Blue and Green Lines connecting Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding suburbs.

Southwest LRT construction site along Kenilworth Trail in Minneapolis with excavated earth and railroad tracks. — The Kenilworth Corridor carries freight rail, the Kenilworth bike and walking trail, and now the Southwest Light Rail Transit extension through a narrow strip of land between the Chain of Lakes and the Cedar Isles neighborhoods. The Metropolitan Council's Southwest LRT project, known as the Green Line Extension, runs nearly 14.5 miles from Minneapolis to Eden Prairie and adds 16 new stations. The trail recently cleared and being used for construction staging.

Construction site under highway overpass for Minneapolis Metro Green Line West Lake Street station. — The Midtown Greenway runs along a former Milwaukee Road rail corridor that was converted into a pedestrian and bicycle trail beginning in 2000, stretching roughly 5.5 miles through south Minneapolis between the Mississippi River and Chowen Avenue. Lake Street crosses the Greenway on a concrete overpass that also marks the site of the planned West Lake Street Station for the METRO Green Line Extension, part of the Southwest LRT project linking downtown Minneapolis to Eden Prairie. The extension, overseen by the Metropolitan Council, adds roughly 14.5 miles of new light rail track and 16 stations to the regional transit system. Work at this site has involved excavation and grading beneath the bridge to prepare the below-grade station area, consistent with the project's design of routing trains through a trench along this section of the corridor.

Northstar commuter train at Target Field Station in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota. — The Northstar Line is a commuter rail route running between Big Lake and downtown Minneapolis, with this train passing Target Field Station near the ballpark. Metro Transit operates the line, which opened in 2009 and covers about 40 miles along existing freight tracks owned by BNSF Railway.

Minneapolis police officers and mounted unit patrol Nicollet Mall at South 7th Street downtown. — Minneapolis Police officers, including a mounted unit, patrol Nicollet Mall at South 7th Street in downtown Minneapolis on September 25, 2020.

Metro Transit buses parked inside the Nicollet Avenue garage facility in South Minneapolis. — The Metro Transit Nicollet Garage is a bus maintenance and storage facility at 3106 Nicollet Avenue in South Minneapolis. It serves the Metro Transit bus fleet for the Minneapolis-St. Paul area.

Buses do not stop here — George Floyd Square, located at the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis, serves as a permanent memorial and protest site following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. Amidst a snowfall, a Metro Transit bus stop sign is overlaid with a handmade message declaring "BUSES DO NOT STOP HERE: Effective: NOW Reason: We Need Justice," reflecting the community's ongoing demands.

Metro Transit light rail train passes security fencing along South 5th Street near US Bank Stadium in downtown Minneapolis during winter. — A Metro Transit light rail train passes along South 5th Street near US Bank Stadium in downtown Minneapolis. This stretch of track serves the METRO Blue and Green Lines, connecting downtown to the stadium, Nicollet Mall, and surrounding neighborhoods.

New Siemens light rail vehicle wrapped in protective covering on Metro Transit Blue Line tracks in Minneapolis. — A newly delivered Siemens light rail vehicle sits wrapped in protective covering on the Metro Transit Blue Line tracks in Minneapolis. The car is part of an order of new LRVs built to expand and modernize the region's light rail fleet, which serves the Hiawatha corridor and connects to planned Southwest LRT service.

Metro Transit ticket machine boarded into a plywood wall on Marquette Avenue in Minneapolis. — A Metro Transit ticket machine stands on Marquette Avenue in Minneapolis, encased in plywood. This machine is part of the public transportation system serving the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area. Its presence on Marquette Avenue, a major downtown street, highlights its role in facilitating daily commutes and travel for residents and visitors. The plywood enclosure suggests recent events or ongoing construction that necessitated temporary protection for the infrastructure.

Government Plaza light rail station entrance in downtown Minneapolis with boarded-up glass panels and protective chain barriers. — Government Plaza Station serves the Blue and Green Line light rail routes in downtown Minneapolis, operated by Metro Transit. Located near the Hennepin County Government Center, the stop provides connections toward St. Paul, the Mall of America, and Target Field. The entrance shown here was boarded up along its glass panels during a period of civil unrest in the city in 2021.

Metro Transit light rail train approaching Cedar-Riverside Station with Riverside Plaza residential towers in downtown Minneapolis. — A Metro Transit light rail train crosses Interstate 35W approaching the Cedar-Riverside Station in Minneapolis. The station serves the Blue and Green Lines and sits adjacent to the Riverside Plaza high-rise complex, a distinctive Brutalist housing development completed in 1973.

I35W and Lake Street Station development — The I-35W & Lake Street Station in Minneapolis is a multimodal transit hub serving bus routes and connecting to Interstate 35W. Construction was ongoing at the time this photograph was taken.

35W Transit Center Under Construction — Construction continues on the 35W Transit Center in South Minneapolis, a key component of the Interstate 35W corridor improvements. This facility is designed to serve as a major hub for Metro Transit bus routes, connecting commuters across the Twin Cities metropolitan area.

I-35W & Lake Street Transit Center stairs in Minneapolis. — I-35W & Lake Street Transit Center in Minneapolis. The station serves Metro Transit buses on the I-35W corridor and opened as part of the area’s bus rapid transit network.

Rows of Metro Transit buses parked inside a bus garage on Nicollet Avenue in South Minneapolis. — This bus garage sits along Nicollet Avenue near 31st Street in South Minneapolis, one of several facilities Metro Transit uses to store and service its fleet overnight. Metro Transit operates the bus and light rail system for the Twin Cities metro area under the Metropolitan Council. Buses parked here are rotated out each morning to cover routes across Minneapolis and St. Paul, then return for fueling, cleaning, and mechanical checks. The agency's fleet includes standard 40-foot buses as well as articulated coaches for high-ridership routes.

The I-35W Lake Street Station in Minneapolis is illuminated at night, with nearby McDonald's and Taco Bell establishments visible. — The I-35W Lake Street Station in Minneapolis is a transit hub serving South Minneapolis. The station is part of the Metro Transit system and is located near Interstate 35W. The surrounding area includes commercial establishments such as a McDonald's and a Taco Bell, indicating the station's integration into the local urban environment. Its nighttime illumination highlights the functional aspects of the infrastructure, serving commuters and travelers throughout the evening.

Metro Transit D Line Project Banner — Construction barriers line Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis, signaling the development of the Metro Transit D-Line Bus Rapid Transit. This project, slated for completion in 2022, aims to enhance public transportation by providing faster and more frequent service along the Route 5 corridor. The D-Line is designed to improve the commuter experience with modern amenities such as heated shelters and real-time arrival information. This investment in transit infrastructure reflects Minneapolis's commitment to expanding its public transportation network.

Metro Transit Bus on Marquette Ave in the rain — A Metro Transit bus travels down Marquette Avenue in downtown Minneapolis on a rainy December night. Marquette Avenue is a central business district artery, vital for public transportation and vehicular traffic. The image highlights the continuous operation of public transit during adverse weather, underscoring its role in urban mobility. Reflections on the wet pavement illustrate the interplay of light and the city's built environment.

Aerial view of snow-covered residential neighborhood with Southwest LRT tunnel construction site in Minneapolis. — The Kenilworth Tunnel is part of the Southwest Light Rail Transit extension, a 14.5-mile addition to the Metro Green Line connecting Minneapolis to Eden Prairie. The tunnel runs beneath the Kenilworth Corridor, a narrow strip of land separating the Kenwood and East Isles neighborhoods that also carries freight rail and a popular multi-use trail. Metro Transit and the Metropolitan Council oversee the project, which has faced repeated delays and cost increases since construction began in 2019.

Metro Transit bus stop sign at 8th Street and Park Avenue in Minneapolis with a security camera. — This photograph shows a Metro Transit bus stop sign at the intersection of 8th Street and Park Avenue in Minneapolis. The sign, featuring the Metro Transit logo, indicates a stop for public transportation services. A security camera is mounted on the sign, suggesting a focus on passenger safety and monitoring within the transit system. This infrastructure is integral to the daily operations of Minneapolis's public transit network, serving commuters and visitors.

West Bank Light Rail Transit station platform in Minneapolis at night with blue train cars and overhead lighting. — The West Bank LRT platform in Minneapolis in the winter of 2022.

Barricades outside Minneapolis Police 5th Precinct in South Minneapolis at night. — The Minneapolis Police Department's 5th Precinct is shown barricaded at night, surrounded by temporary fencing and concrete barriers. This measure was put in place during periods of civil unrest in Minneapolis, notably following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. The precinct, located in South Minneapolis, serves as a key law enforcement hub for the area. The presence of barricades highlights the heightened security and the impact of public demonstrations on municipal infrastructure.

Construction site for Kenilworth Light Rail Transit tunnel under bridge in Minneapolis. — Construction along the Midtown Greenway of what will become the Kenilworth Tunnel and West Lake Street Station. The construction is part of the METRO Green Line Extension light rail project.

Metro Transit bus goes by Brits Pub — A Metro Transit bus travels along Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis, passing Brit's Pub. Nicollet Mall, established in 1967, is a pedestrian-friendly street designed to revitalize the city's core and promote public transit.

Metro Transit bus at Chicago Lake Transit Center — A Metro Transit bus is parked at the Chicago Lake Transit Center in South Minneapolis. This transit hub serves as a key connection point for bus routes in the area, facilitating daily commutes and public transportation access for residents.

Franklin Avenue light rail station in South Minneapolis with a squad car — The Franklin Avenue Light Rail station in Minneapolis is a key stop on the Metro Transit Green Line. Opened in 2014 as part of the Central Corridor project, the station serves as a vital link connecting residents and visitors to various parts of the city.

Buses are currently not in service at Alice Rainville Place — A digital display at the Alice Rainville Place bus stop in Minneapolis indicates that "Buses are currently not in service." The stop, located in downtown Minneapolis, serves Metro Transit routes.

Metro Transit Blue Line light rail train approaching E 26th Street grade crossing in Minneapolis with signal equipment and wet pavement. — A METRO Blue Line light rail train approaches the E 26th Street grade crossing near downtown Minneapolis. The Blue Line, operated by Metro Transit, connects downtown Minneapolis to the Mall of America and Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport along a corridor of shared rail and street-level crossings.

Metro Transit Blue Line train on an elevated track in Minneapolis after rain. — A Metro Transit Blue Line light rail train operates on an elevated track in Minneapolis. Opened in 2004, the Blue Line connects Minneapolis and Saint Paul, with extensions serving the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport and northern suburbs. This elevated segment provides a dedicated right-of-way, ensuring efficient transit operations above street traffic. The light rail system is a crucial element of public transportation in the Twin Cities, linking residential areas with business districts and cultural attractions.

Metro Transit blue line light rail train travels through downtown Minneapolis warehouse district near fifth street. — A METRO Blue Line light rail train travels through the Warehouse District in downtown Minneapolis. Operated by Metro Transit, the Blue Line connects downtown Minneapolis to the Mall of America and Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport via the Hiawatha corridor.

Cedar Riverside Train Station at night in Minneapolis — Cedar-Riverside Station, a key transit hub in South Minneapolis, serves as a stop on the Metro Transit Green Line. Opened in 2014 as part of the Central Corridor project, the station connects residents and visitors to downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul. The station's design incorporates modern elements while serving the daily needs of commuters and travelers.

Metro Transit D Line Coming Soon — New signage announces the upcoming December 3 launch of the Metro Transit D Line rapid bus service on Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis. This new transit line aims to improve service frequency and reliability along one of the city's busiest corridors. The D Line is part of a larger initiative to enhance public transportation options within the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Its development reflects ongoing efforts to modernize and expand transit infrastructure to better serve residents and commuters.

Metro Transit bus on snow-covered Marquette Avenue in downtown Minneapolis beneath an elevated skyway. — Marquette Avenue runs through the heart of downtown Minneapolis and serves as a primary corridor for Metro Transit's bus network. The METRO Orange Line, which opened in 2021, connects downtown to Burnsville along a dedicated bus rapid transit route running parallel to Interstate 35W. Marquette Avenue also sits beneath several segments of the Minneapolis Skyway System, an 8-mile network of enclosed pedestrian bridges connecting downtown buildings at the second-story level, first built in 1962 and now the largest continuous skyway system in the world.

Snow falling with mural at Metro Transit train station — The Lake Street/Midtown Station in South Minneapolis is adorned with a vibrant mural, seen here during a November snowfall. This station serves as a key transit hub for the city, connecting multiple bus routes and the Blue Line light rail.

Metro Transit D Line Station on Chicago Ave in Minneapolis — The Metro Transit D-Line station is located at the Chicago-Lake Transit Center on Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis. This transit hub serves as a key point for bus routes, including the D-Line, connecting various parts of the city.

Metro Transit light rail train passes Cedar Riverside Station with historic brick buildings and apartment complex in Minneapolis. — A Metro Transit light rail train, operated by the Metropolitan Council, passes through Cedar Riverside Station in Minneapolis. The station serves the Blue and Green Lines, connecting residents to various parts of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The surrounding area, including the Riverside Plaza apartment complex visible in the background, has been a significant site for community development and cultural events.

Trash and debris litter railroad tracks at Cedar-Riverside LRT station in Minneapolis at night. — Discarded needles and trash line the tracks at the Cedar-Riverside LRT station.

Northstar commuter train number 501 stops at a downtown Minneapolis station near construction. — The Northstar Line, operated by Metro Transit, provides commuter rail service between Minneapolis and Big Lake, Minnesota. Introduced in 2009, the Northstar Line was developed to offer an alternative to highway travel and reduce traffic congestion along the U.S. Route 10 corridor.

Two Metro Transit blue and yellow light rail trains on parallel tracks in Minneapolis with brick buildings behind. — Metro Transit light rail trains operate on tracks in downtown Minneapolis, connecting the city with surrounding areas. The Blue Line, visible here, began service in 2004, providing a vital link between Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport, Mall of America, and downtown Minneapolis.

Metro Transit stay off the tracks sign at a Hennepin Avenue bus stop in Minneapolis. — Metro Transit safety signage at a bus stop on Hennepin Avenue in Minneapolis. The sign warns pedestrians to stay off the tracks near the transit corridor in Uptown.

Metro Transit Police at Lake St Station Squad Cars — Metro Transit Police patrol the area around the I-35W & Lake Street Station in Minneapolis in May 2023. This station serves as a key transit hub for the city, connecting bus and light rail services.

Light rail train and hazy wildfire skies in Minneapolis — A Metro Transit Light Rail train bound for the Mall of America travels through Minneapolis under a sky choked with smoke from Canadian wildfires.

Breathe with your heart signs on police station — The Minneapolis Police Department's Third Precinct is shown barricaded with concrete barriers and fencing on May 26, 2023. This event occurred in the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd in May 2020, which led to widespread protests and unrest in Minneapolis. The precinct building itself was damaged during the protests and subsequently moved to a new location.

Construction crane and excavated tunnel site along Kenilworth Trail during Southwest Light Rail Transit project in Minneapolis. — The Southwest Light Rail Transit (SWLRT) line runs through a below-grade corridor along the Kenilworth Trail in Minneapolis, connecting the city to Eden Prairie via Hopkins, Minnetonka, and St. Louis Park. Metropolitan Council's Metro Transit oversees the project, which required excavating a shallow tunnel section through the narrow Kenilworth corridor to avoid disrupting the adjacent bike and pedestrian trail.

Violence interrupters on LRT train — City of Minneapolis Violence Interrupters rode a Metro Transit light rail train near US Bank Stadium on June 23, 2023. The train was adorned with a large advertisement featuring performer Beyoncé.

Taylor Swift fans wait to board light rail train in Minneapolis — Fans of musician Taylor Swift gather at a Metro Transit light rail station in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The transit system serves the Twin Cities metropolitan area, providing public transportation via light rail, bus, and commuter rail.

Beyonce train wrap on a Metro Transit Light Rail Train — A wrapped Metro Transit light rail train in downtown Minneapolis advertising a Beyonce concert seen on June 26, 2023.

Light rail train with a Beyonce wrap on it — A wrapped Metro Transit light rail train in downtown Minneapolis advertising a Beyonce concert seen on June 26, 2023.

Beyonce Wrapped Train in Minneapolis — A wrapped Metro Transit light rail train in downtown Minneapolis advertising a Beyonce concert seen on June 26, 2023.

South Minneapolis Southwest LRT construction along the Kenilworth Trail rail corridor. — Construction along the Southwest LRT corridor in South Minneapolis. The project runs on the former freight rail alignment through the Kenilworth neighborhood and links downtown Minneapolis with Eden Prairie.

Workers construct elevated platform structures for Bryn Mawr Station on Minneapolis's Southwest Light Rail Transit line. — Bryn Mawr Station is under construction along the Cedar Lake Trail corridor in Minneapolis as part of the Southwest Light Rail Transit (Green Line) extension. Operated by Metro Transit under Metropolitan Council oversight, the new line will connect downtown Minneapolis to Eden Prairie and other western suburbs. Steel framing and elevated platform structures mark the station's progress within the broader 14.5-mile light rail expansion project.

Red bicycle and pedestrian detour sign stands among overgrown vegetation along the Cedar Lake Trail in Minneapolis. — Nature taking back a trail after it was closed for Light Rail train construction.

Kenilworth Tunnel Construction Sign for Green Line Extension — A Lunda/C.S. McCrossan JV sign directing workers to the Kenilworth Tunnel in Minneapolis. The tunnel is part of the Metro Transit Green line Extension Light Rail project.

Green Line Extension Concrete Plant in Minneapolis — Covered conveyor belts transport materials into a concrete batching plant along the Southwest Light Rail Transit (SWLRT) corridor in Minneapolis. The plant was located in Linden Yards near the Cedar Lake Trail.

Metro Transit Cedar-Riverside light rail station platform at night in Minneapolis. — Metro Transit Cedar–Riverside station in South Minneapolis in August 2023.

Southwest Station light rail tracks under construction in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, with Metro Transit signage visible on brick — Construction of light rail tracks is underway at Southwest Station in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. The station's signage reads "SWF SOUTHWEST TRANSIT" and features the Metro Transit logo. This image documents the progress of the Southwest Light Rail Transit (SWLRT) project, a significant expansion of public transportation in the Twin Cities. The new line will connect Eden Prairie to Minneapolis, enhancing regional connectivity and transit options for commuters.

Metro Transit Police mobile surveillance camera trailer parked near the Cedar-Riverside light rail station in Minneapolis. — Metro Transit Police operates a fleet of mobile surveillance trailers deployed to transit stations and high-traffic corridors across the Minneapolis-St. Paul system. Units like this one, marked E941, are towable and self-contained, allowing the department to reposition cameras to different platforms and park-and-ride locations as needed. Metro Transit Police is a full-service law enforcement agency responsible for security along the Blue and Green light rail lines and connected bus routes. The Cedar-Riverside station, near the University of Minnesota's West Bank campus, is one of several stops where this kind of equipment is regularly stationed.

Welders work on rail infrastructure at night during Southwest LRT Green Line extension construction in Minneapolis. — The Southwest LRT Green Line extension is a light-rail project adding roughly 14.5 miles of track between Minneapolis and Eden Prairie, with new stations planned through St. Louis Park, Hopkins, Minnetonka, and Eden Prairie. Metro Transit and the Metropolitan Council are overseeing the build, which has faced repeated delays and cost overruns since construction began in 2018. Night and weekend shifts are common on the line, since crews often need to weld and place rail sections along active freight corridors and street rights-of-way without disrupting daytime traffic. Once complete, the extension will connect to the existing Green Line, giving Eden Prairie and Hopkins a direct rail link into downtown Minneapolis.

Street signs on 37th S and Chicago Ave — Street signs mark the intersection of Chicago Avenue and East 37th Street in Minneapolis, officially designated as George Perry Floyd Square. This designation honors George Floyd, whose murder by police in May 2020 sparked widespread protests and a global reckoning on racial justice.

Prospect Park Metro Transit Train Station — The Prospect Park light rail station in Minneapolis serves the Prospect Park neighborhood, providing public transit access along the Metro Transit Green Line. Opened in 2014, the Green Line connects downtown Minneapolis with downtown Saint Paul.

AT&T and Ragstock storefronts line Lake Street in Uptown Minneapolis beside a Metro Transit bus and parked vehicles. — Ragstock and AT&T on Lake Street in Uptown Minneapolis. A Metro Transit bus on the 21E route runs along Lake Street, which connects Uptown to the Chain of Lakes and downtown Minneapolis.

Miller Lite advertisement on Lyndale Avenue promoting free Metro Transit rides for St. Patrick's Day celebrations in Minneapolis. — A sign on Lyndale Avenue in Minneapolis advertises free rides on Metro Transit for St. Patrick's Day celebrations. Sponsored by Miller Lite, this public service initiative offered complimentary transportation on all Metro Transit routes from 6 p.m. through the end of service on Saturday, March 16.

Transit Service Intervention Project outreach workers in safety vests stand on a downtown Minneapolis light rail platform. — Transit Service Intervention Project (TSIP) outreach workers are stationed on a light rail platform in Downtown Minneapolis. The TSIP program, which includes "Violence Interrupters," operates within the Metro Transit system to enhance public safety and de-escalate conflicts.

TRIP Outreach workers engage with riders on the platform at Warehouse District/Hennepin Station in downtown Minneapolis. — TRIP Outreach workers engage with riders at the Warehouse District/Hennepin Station, a key Light Rail Transit (LRT) stop in downtown Minneapolis. TRIP Outreach workers on the platform.

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