The service changes directly reflect the most requested improvements by Metro passengers – more service on weekends, later night service and improved frequency. The changes are the largest to the bus network in several decades, altering 24 of Metro’s existing 33 bus lines. Notable improvements to Metro’s service enhance connectivity and ease of use throughout Metro’s service area. For example, passengers traveling along Dodge Street on the Route 2 will enjoy service every 15 minutes until 7 P.M. on weekdays in addition to later night service seven days a week.
The restructuring is a result of two and half years of planning and was shaped by over 4,000 customer onboard surveys, 12 public meetings, a public hearing and more than 500 public comments. Planning included a partnership with the Metropolitan Area Planning Agency to conduct the Heartland Connections – Regional Transit Vision in 2013. Using passenger data collected from the on-board survey, a comprehensive operational analysis was developed in order to better serve Metro customers within existing budgetary resources. Answering the call from customers for more frequent, later night and additional weekend service, nine of Metro’s main lines will receive extended hours past midnight, and the two busiest lines will have buses at 15 minute intervals for the majority of the day, with 30 minute intervals during evening and weekend hours.
Metro’s Executive Director Curt Simon, said “Our upcoming service changes add over 2,300 miles of service, significantly increased service frequency, especially at night and on weekends and extend many weekday routes until midnight or later.”
