View source for Metro Blue Line (Minnesota)

{{Short description|Light rail line in Hennepin County, Minnesota}}
{{about|the light rail line in Minnesota|other Blue Lines|Blue Line (disambiguation)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2024}}
{{redirect-multi|2|Hiawatha Line|Hiawatha LRT|the Amtrak route|Hiawatha (Amtrak train)|the multi-use trail|Hiawatha LRT Trail}}
{{Infobox rail line
| name                            = Metro Blue Line
| color                           = {{rcr|Metro (Minnesota)|Blue}}
| image                           = Blue Line Warehouse District.png
| image_width                     = 300
| caption                         = Blue Line light rail in [[downtown Minneapolis]]
| type                            = [[Light rail]]
| system                          = [[Metro (Minnesota)|Metro]]
| status                          = 
| locale                          = [[Minneapolis–St. Paul]]
| start                           = [[Target Field station|Target Field]] (north)
| end                             = [[Mall of America station|Mall of America]] (south)
| stations                        = 19 open, 13 proposed<ref>{{cite web |title=
Blue Line Extension cities approve preliminary designs |url=https://metrocouncil.org/News-Events/Transportation/Newsletters/Cities,-County-approve-preliminary-designs.aspx}}</ref>
| routes                          = 
| daily_ridership                 = 17,467 (avg. weekday, 2024)<ref name="Ridership">{{cite web |title=Metro Transit Ridership |url=https://www.metrotransit.org/performance |publisher=[[Metro Transit (Minnesota)|Metro Transit]] |access-date=April 12, 2025}}</ref>
| website                         = {{URL|www.Metrotransit.org/light-rail|Metro Blue Line}}
| open                            = {{start date and age|2004|6|26}}
| close                           = 
| owner                           = 
| operator                        = [[Metro Transit (Minnesota)|Metro Transit]]
| character                       = Primarily [[Level crossing|at-grade]] in separated [[right of way (transportation)|right of way]]
| stock                           = [[Bombardier Flexity Swift|Bombardier LF-70]] or Siemens [[Siemens S700 and S70|S70 and S700]]<br />3-car trains (typical, maximum)
| linelength                      = {{cvt|12|mi|km}}<ref name="BL-facts" />
| tracklength                     = 
| tracks                          = 2
| gauge                           = {{RailGauge|ussg|allk=on}}
| minradius                       = {{convert|82|ft|m|0}}
| electrification                 = {{750 V DC|conductor=overhead}}
| speed                           = {{convert|55|mph|abbr=on}} max<br />{{convert|18|mph|abbr=on}} average<!--12 miles in 40 minutes-->
| elevation                       = 
| routenumber                     = 901
| map_state                       = collapsed
| map                             = {{METRO Blue Line}}
}}

The '''Metro Blue Line''' is a {{convert|12|mi|km|1|adj=on}}<ref name="BL-facts">{{cite web |url=http://www.metrotransit.org/facts-about-trains-and-construction.aspx |title=Metro Blue Line – Facts About Trains and Construction |publisher=Metro Transit |year=2013 |access-date=June 15, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140214014738/http://www.metrotransit.org/facts-about-trains-and-construction.aspx |archive-date=February 14, 2014 }}</ref> [[light rail]] line in [[Hennepin County]], [[Minnesota]], that is part of the [[Metro (Minnesota)|Metro]] network. It travels from downtown [[Minneapolis]] to [[Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport]] and the southern suburb of [[Bloomington, Minnesota|Bloomington]]. Formerly the '''Hiawatha Line''' ('''Route 55''') prior to May 2013,<ref name="Metro Transit Route Change Document">{{cite web |url=http://metrotransit.org/routes-change-may-18 |title=These routes will change May 18 |publisher=Metro Transit |access-date=May 3, 2013}}</ref> the line was originally named after the [[Milwaukee Road]]'s [[Hiawatha (Milwaukee Road trains)|Hiawatha passenger train]] and [[Hiawatha Avenue]], reusing infrastructure from the former and running parallel to the latter for a portion of the route. The line opened June 26, 2004, and was the first light rail service in Minnesota. An extension, [[Bottineau LRT]], is planned to open in 2030.

The Blue Line is operated by [[Metro Transit (Minnesota)|Metro Transit]], the primary bus and train operator in the [[Twin Cities]]. As of December 2022, the service operates from approximately 3:19{{nbsp}}am to 12:50{{nbsp}}am with 15{{nbh}}minute [[headway]]s most of the day.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.metrotransit.org/route/blue | title=Schedules – Metro Transit }}</ref> The route averaged 32,928 daily riders in 2019, representing 13&nbsp;percent of Metro Transit's ridership.<ref>{{cite web |title=Performance |url=https://www.metrotransit.org/performance |website=metrotransit.org |publisher=Metro Transit |access-date=December 17, 2022}}</ref><ref name="Light Rail Now">{{cite web|url=http://www.lightrailnow.org/news/n_newslog2008q3.htm#MIN_20080808|title=Minneapolis: More spectacular ridership gains for Hiawatha light rail transit|publisher=Light Rail Now|date=August 2008|access-date=December 17, 2009}}</ref> The line carried 10.6 million riders in 2015.<ref name="Ridership" />

In [[South Minneapolis]], several bus routes converge at [[transit center]]s along the line, offering connections to other Metro lines and frequent bus routes. The line has two [[park and ride]] stations, the [[Fort Snelling station|Fort Snelling]] and [[30th Avenue station (Metro Transit)|30th Avenue station]]s, with a combined capacity of 2,569 vehicles.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Del Rosario |first1=Ari |title=2019 Annual Regional Park & Ride System Report |url=https://metrocouncil.org/Transportation/Publications-And-Resources/Transit/Park-and-ride/2019-Park-and-Ride-Report.aspx |publisher=Metro Transit Engineering and Facilities, Planning and Urban Design |access-date=December 17, 2022 |date=January 2020}}</ref> Major destinations along the corridor include downtown Minneapolis, [[Lake Street (Minneapolis)|Lake Street]], [[Minnehaha Park]], Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport, and the [[Mall of America]]. At the airport, the Blue Line provides free, [[24/7 service]] between [[Terminal 1-Lindbergh station|Lindbergh]] and [[Terminal 2-Humphrey station|Humphrey]] terminals. A [[night service (public transport)|night owl]] [[shuttle train]], the '''Airport Shuttle'''{{anchor|Airport Shuttle}}, runs between terminals during times when no Blue Line service is scheduled.<ref name="24-hour service">{{cite web |title=Airport – Metro Transit |url=https://www.metrotransit.org/airport |website=www.metrotransit.org |publisher=Metro Transit |access-date=September 4, 2022}}; {{cite web|title=Airport Shuttle – Schedules |url=https://www.metrotransit.org/route/airprt |access-date=September 4, 2022 |work=Metro Transit |date=August 20, 2022}}</ref>

== History ==
{{More citations needed|section|date=February 2018}}
[[File:Hiawatha Line 46th Street Station.jpg|thumb|A two-unit Hiawatha Line train approaches 46th Street station from the south in 2005. The black, yellow, and silver livery was standard before the introduction of the [[Metro (Minnesota)|Metro]] system.]]

=== Background ===
The Minneapolis–St. Paul area once had an extensive network of streetcars (operated for many years by [[Twin City Rapid Transit]], a precursor of Metro Transit), but the tracks were removed and services were eliminated in the 1950s.

Over the years since the last trolley ran in 1954, many people have pushed for the reintroduction of rail transport in the Twin Cities. Proposals for a modern streetcar or light rail along the Hiawatha Avenue corridor appeared in the pages of the [[Star Tribune]] as early as 1974.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mike |first1=Anderson |title=Streetcars Proposed to Ease Transit Woe |publisher=Star Tribune |date=June 18, 1974}}</ref> The primary reason is that traffic congestion has grown considerably since the streetcar system ceased operation: a 2003 report by the [[Texas Transportation Institute]] indicated that the area was the 17th most congested area in the country, with the second fastest congestion growth.

Rail projects struggled to gain political support until the 1990s, when several factors combined to make the idea more palatable. Governor [[Jesse Ventura]] and Minnesota Transportation Commissioner [[Elwyn Tinklenberg]] heavily promoted the idea of rail transport, and significant amounts of money became available from the federal government. Previous governors had advocated light rail, but had not been able to get legislation passed. Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] had campaigned on a promise to fight the expansion of light rail, but altered his opinions after taking office. He also initially opposed the [[Northstar Line]] [[commuter rail]] project, which is a rail corridor north of Minneapolis, but changed his mind about that project in January 2004 when a scaled-back version was shown to have good potential.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2004/08/03_mccalluml_northstarmoney/|title=Pawlenty finds money to jumpstart North Star rail line|first=Laura|last=McCallum|publisher=Minnesota Public Radio|date=August 3, 2004}}</ref>

=== Project development ===
For many,{{who|date=February 2018}} the Hiawatha Avenue corridor was not the top choice for a new project. Popular other options included connecting Minneapolis with the western suburbs, though probably the most-desired option has been the [[Green Line (Minnesota)|Central Corridor]] connecting the Twin Cities themselves (Minneapolis and St. Paul) with a route down the middle of [[Interstate 94]] or [[University Avenue (Minneapolis-St. Paul)|University Avenue]]. However, much of the land had already been acquired by the state in the 1960s to build a sunken radial expressway into downtown that was never built. In addition to the available land, the desire to connect to the airport and at least reach the vicinity of the Mall of America proved to be the bigger draw for decision-makers.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://community-wealth.org/_pdfs/articles-publications/tod/article-newberg.pdf |title=Light Rail Comes to Minnesota |last=Newberg |first=Sam |date=May 2004 |website=community-wealth.org |publisher=American Planning Association |access-date=December 3, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111011062726/http://community-wealth.org/_pdfs/articles-publications/tod/article-newberg.pdf |archive-date=October 11, 2011 }}</ref>

The idea of running a rail line down Hiawatha Avenue had already been around for at least a decade by the time the decision was made to go forward. In 1985, the [[Minnesota Department of Transportation]] (Mn/DOT) had produced an [[Environmental Impact Statement]] that concluded that light rail was the best alternative for the corridor.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.it.umn.edu/news/inventing/2004_Summer/righttrack.html|title=The Right Track|first=Trisha|last=Collopy|date=Summer 2004|publisher=Inventing Tomorrow (University of Minnesota)|access-date=December 17, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720092240/http://it.umn.edu/news/inventing/2004_Summer/righttrack.html|archive-date=July 20, 2011}}</ref> In 1996, the document was examined again as Mn/DOT looked at the possibility of adding [[bus rapid transit]] along the road, but money for light rail became available soon after, leading to the current layout.

=== Construction and opening ===
The line's cost totaled [[United States dollar|$]]715.3 million, with $334.3 million coming from the federal government.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://metrotransit.org/facts-about-trains-and-construction.aspx|title=Facts About Trains and Construction|publisher=Metro Transit|access-date=December 29, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100426171325/http://www.metrotransit.org/facts-about-trains-and-construction.aspx|archive-date=April 26, 2010}}</ref> This is considerably higher than initial budgets predicted—the figure was about $400 million in 1997. Opponents to the rail line state that it went far over-budget, but supporters of the line state that extensions of the route and other alterations, plus the impact of inflation, are the real reasons for the increased cost. Initial designs cut out the last stop in downtown, and the southern end of the line did not quite connect to the Mall of America. The Warehouse District stop was added early but another cost increase came from approximately $40 million to enhance the line (while construction was in progress) to bring the line directly into the Mall of America's transit hub. It was completed later than what was initially hoped for (a lot of literature points to 2003 as the opening year), but the mall connection was a significant contribution to the extra time requirements. These extensions are also why the line was initially reported to be {{convert|11.6|mi}} long, but ended up being {{convert|12|mi}} in length. The Target Field extension in 2009 added a few more tenths to the length. Groundbreaking for the line took place on January 17, 2001.

In March 2004, the labor union representing Metro Transit bus workers went on strike. This delayed the opening of the line from the anticipated start date of April 3, although there was some indication that the opening would have been delayed anyway. Apparently, some of the delay had to do with slow delivery of trainsets from Bombardier. Certain aspects of the design had been tried before, but the cars were the first to combine the factors of conforming to American standards (as opposed to [[Europe]]an), having low floors and being built at the company's Mexico plant. Some problems also cropped up during testing of the vehicles, but Bombardier said that the issues were not out of the ordinary.

When the buses began rolling again on April 19, the line's opening was rolled back to June 26. Testing of the track and vehicles continued during the bus strike, as much of the work was performed by Bombardier employees rather than Metro Transit workers. Train operators who had already gone through the training process were given refresher courses when the strike ended. Regular service began on the first phase of the line on June 26, 2004, with the second phase opening later that year on December 4. Each opening was accompanied with two days of free rides on the train and area buses. The line was tested for months before opening, with regular service simulated for about a month before each phase went online. The Hiawatha Line opened exactly 50 years and one week after the last regular-service streetcars ran in the city.

Light rail staff, security, and volunteers produced a largely hitch-free opening day for the new rail system on June 26, 2004.<ref>"Down the Line; Light Rail's First Day." Star Tribune; June 27, 2004</ref> Officials estimated 30,000 people boarded the electric-powered trains during the transit system's first day of service. Train rides were free. Each station featured live entertainment and food as a diversion for the long waits to board the trains. Predicted daily ridership was 19,300 for 2005 and 24,600 for 2020.

=== Developments post-opening ===
[[File:Light rail-Minneapolis-downtown.jpg|thumb|left|A [[pedestrian]] walking [[Level crossing|next to]] moving trains]]
Busways are still being examined for many future projects and it appears likely that at least one will be built. Construction of the area's second light rail line, the Green Line connecting downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul began in late 2010 and opened on June 14, 2014. On April 26, 2011, the U.S. government announced $478 million in funding for its construction.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://blogs.citypages.com/blotter/2011/04/central_corridor_federal_funding.php|title=Feds signing over $478 million in Central Corridor funding today|first=Hart|last=Van Denburg|date=April 2011|newspaper=City Pages|access-date=April 26, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110518205925/http://blogs.citypages.com/blotter/2011/04/central_corridor_federal_funding.php|archive-date=May 18, 2011}}</ref>

During [[Super Bowl LII]] on February 4, 2018, hosted at [[U.S. Bank Stadium]], the Blue Line was restricted to ticketholders and ran with non-stop service between a security checkpoint at the Mall of America and the [[U.S. Bank Stadium (Metro Transit station)|stadium station]]. Service at other stations was replaced with free shuttle buses.<ref>{{cite news |last=Harlow |first=Tim |date=January 12, 2018 |title=A month of Super Bowl disruptions ahead for Metro Transit riders |url=http://www.startribune.com/a-month-of-super-bowl-disruptions-ahead-for-metro-transit-riders/469074903/ |work=Star-Tribune |access-date=February 10, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Harlow |first=Tim |date=February 4, 2018 |title=Mixed reviews for Super Bowl Sunday transit service |url=http://www.startribune.com/first-metro-transit-fan-trains-start-rolling-toward-u-s-bank-stadium/472629983/ |work=Star-Tribune |access-date=February 10, 2018}}</ref>

In July 2011, the [[Metropolitan Council (Minnesota)|Metropolitan Council]] officially approved renaming the Hiawatha Line as the Blue Line. This is part of a broader color scheme for identifying Twin Cities transit lines, including the [[Green Line (Minnesota)|Green Line]] light rail to [[St. Paul, Minnesota|St. Paul]], the [[Orange Line (Minnesota)|Orange Line]] bus rapid transit along I-35W, and the operational [[Metro Red Line (Minnesota)|Red Line]] bus rapid transit service along Cedar Avenue.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metrocouncil.org/newsletter/transit2011/TransitLineColorsJuly.htm |title=Met Council approves line color names for region's developing transitway system |publisher=[[Metropolitan Council (Minnesota)|Metropolitan Council]] |date=July 2011 |access-date=August 31, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110807233244/http://www.metrocouncil.org/newsletter/transit2011/TransitLineColorsJuly.htm |archive-date=August 7, 2011 }}</ref> The name officially changed on Friday, May 17, 2013.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.startribune.com/local/west/207812381.html?refer=y|title=Hiawatha light-rail name to be phased out for Blue Line|newspaper=StarTribune|date=May 17, 2013|access-date=May 23, 2013}}</ref>

Starting July 8, 2022, in a planned 5 week project, the Blue line shut down 5 stops from Mall of America to Airport Terminal 2 for the '[https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-lifestyle/blue-line-to-shut-down-for-5-weeks-between-msp-and-mall-of-america Largest construction project in the light rail line's history.'] According to Metro Transit, the project consists of replacing sections of tracks that "have worn out and upgrades technology that guides safety systems."

In addition, the updates will also bring safety enhancements and allow trains to switch tracks and turn around near the 30th Avenue Station, which will provide more opportunity to keep trains moving if a section of track is taken out of service. Ryan Heath, engineer for Metro Transit who is overseeing the project, said that "this is important for the Blue Line's next 40 years. We're looking out literally decades with an eye toward improving the reliability and maintainability of our system."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rider's Almanac Blog |url=https://www.metrotransit.org/long-shutdown-will-help-metro-blue-line-have-a-long-life |access-date=August 15, 2022 |website=www.metrotransit.org}}</ref>

=== Proposed extension ===
{{Main|Metro Blue Line Extension}}

An extension of the line to [[Brooklyn Park, Minnesota|Brooklyn Park]] is planned. On August 3, 2020, after years of disagreements with The Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway Company regarding use of BNSF's right-of-way, Metropolitan Council announced they would begin to "explore opportunities to advance this critical project without using BNSF Railway right of way."<ref>{{cite web |title=Project partners announce new direction for METRO Blue Line Extension|url=https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MNORGMETC/bulletins/29891ee/ |access-date= August 3, 2020|date=August 3, 2020}}</ref>  Current plans call for the Blue Line Extension to run east from [[Target Field]] to Washington Avenue, then through north Minneapolis via 21st Avenue, West Broadway Avenue, and Bottineau Boulevard, until it meets the originally planned route near 73rd Avenue and West Broadway.<ref>{{cite web |title=Route Modification Report|url=https://metrocouncil.org/Transportation/Projects/Light-Rail-Projects/METRO-Blue-Line-Extension/Route.aspx|access-date= June 2, 2022}}</ref>

== Route ==
[[File:Minneapolis Light Train.jpg|thumb|right|Light rail spine along 5th Street downtown, shared by the [[Metro Green Line (Minnesota)|Green Line]].]]
The Blue Line runs from downtown Minneapolis to the Mall of America for a length of {{convert|12|mi|km|1|abbr=on}}.<ref name="BL-facts" /> The southern terminus at the [[Mall of America station]] and transit center is located beneath the east parking ramp of the mall and has direct access to the mall.<ref name="dedicated">{{cite web |last1=Moore |first1=Janet |title=New $25 million Mall of America transit station set to welcome visitors 'in style' |url=http://www.startribune.com/overhauled-mall-of-america-transit-station-officially-dedicated/567885132/ |website=Star Tribune |access-date=February 27, 2020 |date=February 19, 2020}}</ref> The station offers connections to the [[Metro Red Line (Minnesota)|Red Line]] and other local bus routes including those operated by [[Minnesota Valley Transit Authority]]. From the Mall of America trains travel east towards the [[28th Avenue station]] park-and-ride ramp. The route travels through Bloomington's South Loop District before reaching the [[Terminal 2–Humphrey station]] of the MSP Airport across from [[Fort Snelling National Cemetery]]. To cross the MSP Airport the line then enters a pair of {{convert|7300|ft|m}} tunnels that required a [[tunnel boring machine]] and cost $110 million to construct. While traveling through the tunnels, trains stop at the {{convert|65|ft|m}} underground [[Terminal 1–Lindbergh station]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wascoe Jr. |first1=Dan |title=Looking for light at the end of the tunnel |work=Star Tribune |date=October 8, 2001}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Wascoe Jr. |first1=Dan |title=A boring project that's anything but |work=Star Tribune |date=August 30, 2002}}</ref> Once emerging from the tunnel, the line serves two park-and-ride lots at [[Fort Snelling station]]. From Fort Snelling station, the line travels on the surface in separated right of way parallel to [[Minnesota State Highway 55]] while stopping at stations near the VA Medical center, [[Minnehaha Park]], and other locations in south Minneapolis. Trains travel on bridges over traffic at busy intersections near [[Lake Street (Minneapolis)|Lake Street]] and Franklin Ave with overhead stations located at each crossing.

After crossing to the other side of Highway 55, the line runs on the former [[Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific Railroad|Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific]] [[Short Line Bridge|Short Line]] roadbed which brought ''[[Hiawatha (Milwaukee Road trains)|Hiawatha]]'' passenger trains to the [[Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Depot Freight House and Train Shed|downtown depot]]. After crossing I-35W on a dedicated bridge, the train begins to share tracks with the Green Line and enters downtown by traveling around [[U.S. Bank Stadium]]. The [[U.S. Bank Stadium station]] is surrounded by a pedestrian plaza that is used for loading riders onto trains after events at US Bank Stadium.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Harlow |first1=Tim |title=Metro Transit's Rail Control Center leans in to stadium learning curve |url=https://www.startribune.com/metro-transit-s-rail-control-center-leans-in-to-learning-curve/391507741/ |access-date=June 4, 2021 |work=Star Tribune |date=August 27, 2016}}</ref> While passing the [[Downtown East Commons]], the route travels through downtown on surface streets. The line shares the road with one lane of automobile traffic through downtown with the exception of the block along [[Government Plaza station]] where the street is closed and a pedestrian plaza connecting the [[Minneapolis City Hall]] and the [[Hennepin County Government Center]].<ref>{{cite news |title=On Monday, chunk of 5th St. will be closed permanently |work=Star Tribune |date=March 2, 2002}}</ref> With a stop at [[Nicollet Mall]] the line offers connections to an important transit and pedestrian corridor. The train terminates at [[Target Field station]] which offers connections to the [[Northstar Commuter Rail]].
{{#tag:mapframe| {{Map of Metro Blue Line (Minnesota)}} | width="450" | height="600" | longitude="-93.24" | latitude="44.92" | zoom="12" | align="center" | text="Metro Blue Line interactive map"}}

=== Stations ===

{|class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable"
! scope=col | Line
! scope=col | Type
|-
| {{left|[[File:Minnesota-green-metro.svg|25px|alt=Alt text|title=Metro Green Line (Minnesota)|link=Metro Green Line (Minnesota)]] [[Target Field (Metro Transit station)|Target Field]] – [[Union Depot (St. Paul)|Union Depot]]}} || Light rail
|-
| {{left|[[File:Minnesota-orange-metro.svg|25px|alt=Alt text|title=Metro Orange Line (Minnesota)|link=Metro Orange Line (Minnesota)]] Downtown Minneapolis – Burnsville Heart of the City}} || BRT
|-
| {{left|[[File:Minnesota-red-metro.svg|25px|alt=Alt text|title=Metro Red Line (Minnesota)|link=Metro Red Line (Minnesota)]] [[Mall of America station|Mall of America]] – [[Apple Valley station|Apple Valley]]}} || BRT
|-
| {{left|[[File:Minnesota-steel-metro-a.svg|25px|alt=Alt text|title=Metro A Line (Minnesota)|link=Metro A Line (Minnesota)]] [[46th Street station (Metro Transit)|46th Street]] – [[Rosedale Transit Center]]}} || BRT
|-
| {{left|[[File:Minnesota-steel-metro-c.svg|25px|alt=Alt text|title=Metro C Line (Minnesota)|link=Metro C Line (Minnesota)]] Downtown Minneapolis – [[Brooklyn Center Transit Center]]}} || BRT
|-
| {{left|[[File:Minnesota-steel-metro-d.svg|25px|alt=Alt text|title=Metro D Line (Minnesota)|link=Metro D Line (Minnesota)]] [[Mall of America station|Mall of America]] – [[Brooklyn Center Transit Center]]}} || BRT
|-
| {{left|[[File:Minnesota-yellow-metro.svg|25px|alt=Alt text|title=Northstar Line|link=Northstar Line]] [[Target Field station|Target Field]] – [[Big Lake Station|Big Lake]]}} || Commuter rail
|}
{|class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable"
! scope=col | Station/Stop
! scope=col | Line
! scope-col | Transfer
! scope=col | Opened
!Ridership (2024)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Transit Stops Boardings and Alightings - Minnesota Geospatial Commons |url=https://gisdata.mn.gov/dataset/us-mn-state-metc-trans-stop-boardings-alightings |access-date=2025-04-02 |website=gisdata.mn.gov |language=en-US}}</ref> 
! scope="col" | Grade
|-
| {{stl|Metro (Minnesota)|Target Field}}||{{center|[[File:Minnesota-blue-metro.svg|25px|alt=Alt text|title=Metro Blue Line (Minnesota)|link=Metro Blue Line (Minnesota)]][[File:Minnesota-green-metro.svg|25px|alt=Alt text|title=Metro Green Line (Minnesota)|link=Metro Green Line (Minnesota)]]}}||{{center|[[File:Minnesota-yellow-metro.svg|25px|alt=Alt text|title=Northstar Line|link=Northstar Line]] [[File:Minnesota-steel-metro-c.svg|25px|alt=Alt text|title=Metro C Line (Minnesota)|link=Metro C Line (Minnesota)]] [[File:Minnesota-steel-metro-d.svg|25px|alt=Alt text|title=Metro D Line (Minnesota)|link=Metro D Line (Minnesota)]]}}||2009
|1728||Elevated
|-
| {{stl|Metro (Minnesota)|Warehouse District/Hennepin Avenue}}||{{center|[[File:Minnesota-blue-metro.svg|25px|alt=Alt text|title=Metro Blue Line (Minnesota)|link=Metro Blue Line (Minnesota)]][[File:Minnesota-green-metro.svg|25px|alt=Alt text|title=Metro Green Line (Minnesota)|link=Metro Green Line (Minnesota)]]}}|| ||2004
|1374||At-grade
|-
| {{stl|Metro (Minnesota)|Nicollet Mall}}||{{center|[[File:Minnesota-blue-metro.svg|25px|alt=Alt text|title=Metro Blue Line (Minnesota)|link=Metro Blue Line (Minnesota)]][[File:Minnesota-green-metro.svg|25px|alt=Alt text|title=Metro Green Line (Minnesota)|link=Metro Green Line (Minnesota)]]}}||{{center|[[File:Minnesota-orange-metro.svg|25px|alt=Alt text|title=Metro Orange Line (Minnesota)|link=Metro Orange Line (Minnesota)]] [[File:Minnesota-steel-metro-c.svg|25px|alt=Alt text|title=Metro C Line (Minnesota)|link=Metro C Line (Minnesota)]] [[File:Minnesota-steel-metro-d.svg|25px|alt=Alt text|title=Metro D Line (Minnesota)|link=Metro D Line (Minnesota)]]}}||2004
|2847||At-grade
|-
| {{stl|Metro (Minnesota)|Government Plaza}}||{{center|[[File:Minnesota-blue-metro.svg|25px|alt=Alt text|title=Metro Blue Line (Minnesota)|link=Metro Blue Line (Minnesota)]][[File:Minnesota-green-metro.svg|25px|alt=Alt text|title=Metro Green Line (Minnesota)|link=Metro Green Line (Minnesota)]]}}|| ||2004
|1390||At-grade
|-
| {{stl|Metro (Minnesota)|U.S. Bank Stadium}}||{{center|[[File:Minnesota-blue-metro.svg|25px|alt=Alt text|title=Metro Blue Line (Minnesota)|link=Metro Blue Line (Minnesota)]][[File:Minnesota-green-metro.svg|25px|alt=Alt text|title=Metro Green Line (Minnesota)|link=Metro Green Line (Minnesota)]]}}|| ||2004
|2501||At-grade
|-
| {{stl|Metro (Minnesota)|Cedar–Riverside}}||{{center|[[File:Minnesota-blue-metro.svg|25px|alt=Alt text|title=Metro Blue Line (Minnesota)|link=Metro Blue Line (Minnesota)]]}}|| ||2004
|576||At-grade
|-
| {{stl|Metro (Minnesota)|Franklin Avenue}}||{{center|[[File:Minnesota-blue-metro.svg|25px|alt=Alt text|title=Metro Blue Line (Minnesota)|link=Metro Blue Line (Minnesota)]]}}|| ||2004
|1263||At-grade
|-
| {{stl|Metro (Minnesota)|Lake Street/Midtown}}||{{center|[[File:Minnesota-blue-metro.svg|25px|alt=Alt text|title=Metro Blue Line (Minnesota)|link=Metro Blue Line (Minnesota)]]}}|| ||2004
|1387||Elevated
|-
| {{stl|Metro (Minnesota)|38th Street}}||{{center|[[File:Minnesota-blue-metro.svg|25px|alt=Alt text|title=Metro Blue Line (Minnesota)|link=Metro Blue Line (Minnesota)]]}}|| ||2004
|771||At-grade
|-
| {{stl|Metro (Minnesota)|46th Street}}||{{center|[[File:Minnesota-blue-metro.svg|25px|alt=Alt text|title=Metro Blue Line (Minnesota)|link=Metro Blue Line (Minnesota)]]}}||{{center|[[File:Minnesota-steel-metro-a.svg|25px|alt=Alt text|title=Metro A Line (Minnesota)|link=Metro A Line (Minnesota)]]}}||2004
|1288||At-grade
|-
| {{stl|Metro (Minnesota)|50th Street/Minnehaha Park}}||{{center|[[File:Minnesota-blue-metro.svg|25px|alt=Alt text|title=Metro Blue Line (Minnesota)|link=Metro Blue Line (Minnesota)]]}}|| ||2004
|298||At-grade
|-
| {{stl|Metro (Minnesota)|VA Medical Center}}||{{center|[[File:Minnesota-blue-metro.svg|25px|alt=Alt text|title=Metro Blue Line (Minnesota)|link=Metro Blue Line (Minnesota)]]}}|| ||2004
|470||At-grade
|-
| {{stl|Metro (Minnesota)|Fort Snelling}}||{{center|[[File:Minnesota-blue-metro.svg|25px|alt=Alt text|title=Metro Blue Line (Minnesota)|link=Metro Blue Line (Minnesota)]]}}|| ||2004
|456||At-grade
|-
| {{stl|Metro (Minnesota)|Terminal 1–Lindbergh}}||{{center|[[File:Minnesota-blue-metro.svg|25px|alt=Alt text|title=Metro Blue Line (Minnesota)|link=Metro Blue Line (Minnesota)]]}}|| ||2004
|1798||Underground
|-
| {{stl|Metro (Minnesota)|Terminal 2–Humphrey}}||{{center|[[File:Minnesota-blue-metro.svg|25px|alt=Alt text|title=Metro Blue Line (Minnesota)|link=Metro Blue Line (Minnesota)]]}}|| ||2004
|1646||At-grade, under parking deck
|-
| {{stl|Metro (Minnesota)|American Boulevard}}||{{center|[[File:Minnesota-blue-metro.svg|25px|alt=Alt text|title=Metro Blue Line (Minnesota)|link=Metro Blue Line (Minnesota)]]}}|| ||2009
|211||At-grade
|-
| {{stl|Metro (Minnesota)|Bloomington Central}}||{{center|[[File:Minnesota-blue-metro.svg|25px|alt=Alt text|title=Metro Blue Line (Minnesota)|link=Metro Blue Line (Minnesota)]]}}|| ||2004
|204||At-grade
|-
| {{stl|Metro (Minnesota)|30th Avenue}}||{{center|[[File:Minnesota-blue-metro.svg|25px|alt=Alt text|title=Metro Blue Line (Minnesota)|link=Metro Blue Line (Minnesota)]]}}|| ||2004
|265||At-grade
|-
| {{stl|Metro (Minnesota)|Mall of America}}||{{center|[[File:Minnesota-blue-metro.svg|25px|alt=Alt text|title=Metro Blue Line (Minnesota)|link=Metro Blue Line (Minnesota)]]}}||{{center|[[File:Minnesota-red-metro.svg|25px|alt=Alt text|title=Metro Red Line (Minnesota)|link=Metro Red Line (Minnesota)]] [[File:Minnesota-steel-metro-d.svg|25px|alt=Alt text|title=Metro D Line (Minnesota)|link=Metro D Line (Minnesota)]]}}||1994
|1792||At-grade, under parking deck
|}
Each of the [[List of Metro (Minnesota) light rail stations|19 stations]] along the route is designed in a unique architectural style reflective of the station's surrounding community.{{citation needed|date=August 2024}} This is not an entirely new idea for the region, as many of the higher-traffic bus stops around the city have distinctive designs. Due to the unique makeup of Minneapolis' population, ticket-dispensing machines present instructions in four languages: [[English language|English]], [[Spanish language|Spanish]], [[Somali language|Somali]] and [[Hmong language|Hmong]]. Travel time is roughly two to three minutes between most stations.

The airport used to operate a bus shuttle between the two terminals, but the light-rail line has replaced that service. No fare is required to ride between the two airport stations and trains run between these stations 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.<ref name="24-hour service" /> Only seven of the original 17 stations was built to accommodate three car trains, but due to the need to increase the line's capacity, the remaining stations were retrofitted or extended to accommodate three-car trains in 2009. The extensions were paid for primarily with federal money but the Metropolitan Council, Hennepin County, and city of Bloomington also contributed some funds.<ref name="Strib2009">{{cite news |last1=Duch |first1=Kevinschere |title=Light-rail upgrades running on time |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79012843/ |access-date=June 5, 2021 |work=Star Tribune |date=August 26, 2009}}</ref>

=== Station additions ===
The Blue Line was extended several blocks northwest from the [[Warehouse District/Hennepin Avenue station]] to the [[Target Field Station]] in 2009. The station was paid for by the [[Minnesota Twins]] as part of the construction and opening of [[Target Field]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Duchschere |first1=Kevin |title=Sprucing up 'round the park |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79014675/sprucing-up-round-the-park/ |access-date=June 5, 2021 |work=Star Tribune |date=October 28, 2009}}</ref> The two-level station has light rail platforms on the upper level for use by Blue Line and [[Green Line (Minnesota)|Green Line]] light rail trains, and platforms next to the [[BNSF]] mainline tracks passing beneath the station to serve the [[Northstar Line]] commuter rail. The under construction Green Line extension, also known as the [[Southwest Corridor (Minneapolis)|Southwest Corridor]], will connect directly to the end of the Blue Line to share service with the station.<ref>{{cite web |title = Minneapolis Detail Map |publisher = Hennepin County (Southwest Corridor) |url = http://www.southwesttransitway.org/minneapolis-detail-map.html |access-date  = February 4, 2009 |url-status     = dead |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20081008031659/http://southwesttransitway.org/minneapolis-detail-map.html |archive-date = October 8, 2008}}</ref>

Largely federal money but also with some local contributions was secured for construction of the new [[American Boulevard Station]] in Bloomington between the [[Airport – Terminal 2-Humphrey (Metro Transit station)|Humphrey Terminal Station]] and [[Bloomington Central (Metro Transit station)|Bloomington Central Station]]. This station was included in the line's original plans, but was postponed due to cost overruns. Because much of the necessary underground infrastructure for the station was installed when the line was constructed, the station was built with minimal service interruptions.<ref name="Strib2009" /><ref>{{cite web | title = Two New Stations in the Works for Hiawatha Line in Minneapolis | work = Mass Transit Magazine | url = http://www.masstransitmag.com/web/online/Top-Transit-News/Two-New-Stations-in-the-Works-for-Hiawatha-Line-in-Minneapolis/3$1153 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220405142454/http://www.masstransitmag.com/web/online/Top-Transit-News/Two-New-Stations-in-the-Works-for-Hiawatha-Line-in-Minneapolis/3%241153 | url-status = dead | archive-date = April 5, 2022 | access-date = February 4, 2009}}</ref>

== Service ==
[[File:Hiawatha Line Ticket.gif|left|thumb|A 2007 Metro Transit Ticket, valid for 2½ hours after purchase.]]
Passengers who ride the rail system are charged the same fare as they would pay for the local Metro Transit bus system, and they are able to use their bus transfer cards to switch between the two different modes of transportation without making another payment. A new payment system using [[smart card]]s (locally known as [[Go-To Card]]s) was initially expected to be introduced along with the rail line in June 2004, but [[software bugs]] delayed introduction. By September 2006, the bugs were worked out and the Go-To Cards became operational.

In basic service trains operate every 10 to 15 minutes and operate less frequently in the early morning and late-night. Additional trains operate on Friday and Saturday nights.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metrotransit.org/route/901 |title= Metro Blue Line – Mpls – Airport – MOA |publisher=Metro Transit |access-date=July 7, 2016}}</ref> The line shuts down for about four hours each night, except for a shuttle service between the two terminals at the MSP airport which run 24 hours a day.<ref name="24-hour service" /> Vehicles have a capacity of 66 seated passengers and 120 standing. Currently two or three vehicles are run together to increase capacity.

=== Ridership ===
The line accounts for about 13% of Metro Transit's total ridership. Less than two years after opening, the line had already exceeded its 2020 weekday ridership goal of 24,800.<ref name="Light Rail Now" /> The line carried 10.6 million riders in 2015.<ref name="Ridership" /> In 2018 weekday ridership on the Blue Line was 32,921.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kerr |first1=Drew |title=Light rail, Bus Rapid Transit lines set annual ridership records |url=https://www.metrotransit.org/light-rail-bus-rapid-transit-lines-set-annual-ridership-records |access-date=June 3, 2021 |date=February 11, 2019}}</ref> Ridership for both the Green and Blue Lines combined was down 59% in 2020 due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Moore |first1=Janet |title=Met Council: Ridership on Metro Transit plunged in 2020, owing to pandemic |url=https://www.startribune.com/met-council-ridership-on-metro-transit-plunged-in-2020-owing-to-pandemic/600026478/ |access-date=June 3, 2021 |work=Star Tribune |date=February 23, 2021}}</ref> Ridership had begun to recover in 2023, but average weekday ridership remained below 20,000 <ref>{{cite web |author=Metro Transit |title=Metro Transit Ridership |url=https://www.metrotransit.org/performance#blueline | access-date=April 4, 2024 |date=April 4, 2024}}</ref>

=== Fares ===
The Blue Line uses a [[proof-of-payment]] system, requiring riders to carry tickets at all times. Fares are purchased before boarding, either at ticket machines located in the stations or by scanning a [[Go-To card]] at dedicated pedestals. Tickets are valid for {{frac|2|1|2}} hours after purchase, with transfers available to other Metro lines as well as any Metro Transit bus routes. Fares can range from 50¢ within the two Downtown Zones of Minneapolis and St. Paul to $2.50 for adults in rush hours.<ref>{{cite web |title=Fares |url=https://www.metrotransit.org/fares |publisher=Metro Transit |access-date=June 3, 2021}}</ref>

== Rolling stock ==
{{Main|Metro Transit rolling stock}}

The Blue Line uses 27 [[Bombardier Flexity Swift]] light rail vehicles (LRVs) manufactured by and 12 [[Siemens S70]] LRVs. The system is designed to operate on 750 volts DC. Trains can reach [[speed]]s of {{convert|55|mph|1}}, but the "general service speed" is about {{convert|40|mph|1|abbr=on}} or slower (especially in the congested downtown region). They are of a 70% [[low-floor]] design, meaning that 70 percent of the floor inside is within about {{convert|14|in|mm|sigfig=3}} of the ground. This is the same height as the rail platforms, allowing stepless access for passengers dependent on wheelchairs or other mobility aids. The feature also makes it easier for passengers with bicycles or strollers to board the train. Each vehicle weighs about {{convert|107000|lb|kg|sigfig=5|lk=on}} when empty. Minneapolis is the first and only city to use this LRV model in the United States.<ref name="vehicles">{{cite web
 | title = Bombardier FLEXITY Swift – Minneapolis/St. Paul, USA | publisher = [[Bombardier Transportation|Bombardier]] | url = http://bombardier.com/en/1_0/1_1/1_1_1_3_5.jsp| access-date = January 31, 2007| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220405142457/http://bombardier.com/en/1_0/1_1/1_1_1_3_5.jsp |archive-date=April 5, 2022}}</ref>

Vehicles have a [[livery|color scheme]] that is primarily a combination of blue, yellow, and white. Yellow was the color used on the previous streetcar system in the area. Each vehicle has an ''A'', ''B'' and ''C'' section: The ''A'' and ''B'' sections are the large portions on each end, while the ''C'' section is a small portion that connects the two other pieces and has the vehicle's middle truck or [[bogie]]. Electricity is collected by a [[pantograph (rail)|pantograph]] mounted on the ''B'' section. The first "Type I" LRV was delivered on March 19, 2003. 14 of 15 delivered vehicles were operational for the opening weekend. The initial order was eventually bumped up to a full 24 vehicles, which were operational by early 2005. Three additional vehicles were ordered in the winter of 2006/2007, using leftover funds from the construction budget for one vehicle and Hennepin County funds for the other two.

The noses of these vehicles are built to a different design than is standard for the Flexity Swift, containing a small scoop-shaped area. This assists in the removal of snow, but the anticipated snow-management method is merely to run trains on a frequent basis rather than actually using snow removal equipment (this was what the earlier streetcar system usually did to keep lines clear, though they also often featured small scrapers in front of the lead wheels).

Each vehicle has a number of cameras on board, pointing both inward and outward, to monitor passenger activity and other areas of interest for security and safety. Train stations also have cameras. Video feeds and the position of each vehicle on the line are monitored in a control room at the system's maintenance facility, located between Cedar-Riverside and Franklin Avenue stations.
[[File:Type III LRV being delivered.png|thumb|Two Type III LRVs coupled to three existing vehicles while being delivered.]]
According to Metropolitan Council meeting notes dated July 30, 2010, for the August 9 Transportation Committee meeting, [[Siemens]] Industry Incorporated agreed to build the Light Rail Vehicles for the three-car train expansion project in a joint procurement with the [[Metro Green Line (Minnesota)|Green Line's]] initial LRV procurement, at a per-LRV cost of $3,297,714 and a total contract value of $153,211,516.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://councilmeetings.metc.state.mn.us/Transportation/2010/0809/0809_2010_275.pdf| title= Transportation Committee Business Item 2010-275| publisher=[[Metropolitan Council (Minnesota)|Metropolitan Council]]| date=July 30, 2010| access-date=August 6, 2010}}</ref> According to Mark Fuhrmann's presentation at the July 26, 2010, Transportation Committee meeting, these "Type II" LRVs are mechanically, but not electronically, compatible with the current fleet of 27 "type I" vehicles, so while the two generations are able to run at the same time and either type would be able to push a malfunctioning unit of the other type, multiple-unit trains can only be assembled of one type.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://metrocouncil.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=2&clip_id=757| title= Transportation Committee Meeting July 26, 2010| publisher=[[Metropolitan Council (Minnesota)|Metropolitan Council]]| date=July 26, 2010| access-date=August 6, 2010}}</ref> The Metro Blue Line uses 12 "Type II" [[Siemens S70|S70]] LRVs.

== Safety ==
[[File:suvplustrain.jpg|right|thumb|Aftermath of a non-fatal accident]]
With an expansion of the light rail system happening with the opening of the Green Line in 2014, Metro Transit rolled out a new rail safety campaign, with representatives of Metro Transit customers visiting schools and organizations situated near the Blue Line to discuss rail safety.<ref name='startrib_LRT_accidents2013'>{{cite news | first = Tim | last = Harlow | title = The Drive: Prohibited turns bring light-rail mishaps | date = September 13, 2013 | url = http://www.startribune.com/local/minneapolis/222022221.html | work = The Star Tribune}}</ref> The campaign won a visual design award from the Minnesota Association of Government Communicators.<ref name='MAGC_award'>{{cite web | url = http://www.magconline.org/PDF/2013_MAGC_NL_Results.pdf | title = 2013 Award Winners | author = Minnesota Association of Government Communicators | date = May 20, 2013 | work = Northern Lights Awards | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130930074617/http://www.magconline.org/PDF/2013_MAGC_NL_Results.pdf | archive-date = September 30, 2013 }}</ref> By January 2015, there had been 11 deaths from accidents on the line, eight of them pedestrians.<ref>{{cite web|last=Nelson|first=Tim| title=Minneapolis light rail train hits, kills pedestrian|url=http://www.mprnews.org/story/2014/01/13/news/minneapolis-light-rail-train-hits-kills-pedestrian?from=hp|access-date=January 13, 2014|publisher=Minnesota Public Radio|date=January 13, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=McKinney|first1=Matt|title=Woman struck and killed by Blue Line light-rail train in south Minneapolis|url=http://www.startribune.com/local/minneapolis/264030591.html#MJQVzAlY1p4QVWHo.97|website=StarTribune|access-date=June 20, 2014}}</ref> After two more people were killed in separate incidents on the Blue Line, one a bicyclist and one a man in a wheelchair, signs saying "See Tracks? Think Train" were added at locations of recent deaths along the Blue Line and Green Line.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Harlow|first1=Tim|title=Man hit by light-rail train is ID'd; witness says wheelchair had wheel in air|url=http://www.startribune.com/man-hit-by-light-rail-train-is-id-d/364251051/|website=StarTribune|access-date=January 22, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Harlow|first1=Tim|title=Rail safety signs pop up near three pedestrian deaths|url=http://www.startribune.com/rail-safety-messages-pop-up-near-three-recent-pedestrian-deaths/365154201/|website=StarTribune|access-date=January 22, 2016}}</ref> As of September 2019, 15 people have died in crashes with Blue Line trains.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Harlow |first1=Tim |title=Bicyclist killed in Minneapolis crash with light-rail train was Richfield man |url=https://www.startribune.com/bicyclist-killed-in-blue-line-lrt-crash-was-a-richfield-man/559477142/ |access-date=June 5, 2021 |work=Star Tribune |date=September 6, 2019}}</ref>

Additionally, there has been concern over violent assaults, robberies, and disorderly conduct that occurs on the station platforms while people wait for the trains.  There was a murder by stabbing at the Lake Street/Midtown station in December 2014.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Collins|first1=Liz|title=Rail safety signs pop up near three pedestrian deaths|url=http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2015/09/10/serious-crimes-happening-on-light-rail-trains-platforms/|website=WCCO|date=September 10, 2015 |access-date=January 22, 2016}}</ref> Aggravated assaults, which involve the use of a weapon to cause serious injury, continued to increase through 2019 including another murder by stabbing at the Lake Street/Midtown station in October 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fox9.com/news/danger-on-the-line-assaults-up-at-light-rail-stations|title=Danger on the line: Assaults up at light rail stations|last=Lyden|first=Tom|date=October 31, 2019|website=FOX 9|language=en-US|access-date=January 23, 2020}}</ref> Increased police officer hours, including the use of plainclothes police officers, were added to address safety concerns in 2019. Other efforts included allowing riders to text a number to communicate with police and teams dedicated to helping homeless riders were added in the same year.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Callaghan |first1=Peter |title=Met Council chief vows to improve safety on Twin Cities buses, light rail |url=https://www.minnpost.com/state-government/2020/02/met-council-chief-vows-to-improve-safety-on-twin-cities-buses-light-rail/ |access-date=June 3, 2021 |work=[[MinnPost]] |date=February 13, 2020}}</ref> In January 2020, the Met Council approved $1.3 million in spending to install new 360-degree [[4K resolution]] cameras on all Metro Transit light rail cars by the end of 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2020/01/22/metro-transit-considers-adding-new-cameras-to-light-rail/|title=Metro Transit Considers Adding New Cameras To Light Rail|date=January 22, 2020|language=en-US|access-date=January 23, 2020}}</ref> Another stabbing that resulted in death occurred on a train in Bloomington in January 2020, but no charges were filed due to claims of self-defense.<ref>{{cite news |title=No charges filed in fatal stabbing on Blue Line train |url=https://www.twincities.com/2020/01/24/no-charges-filed-in-fatal-stabbing-on-minnesota-light-rail/ |access-date=June 6, 2021 |work=St. Paul Pioneer Press |agency=Associated Press |date=January 24, 2020}}</ref>

== See also ==

* [[Hiawatha LRT Trail]]
* [[Metro Green Line (Minnesota)]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Attached KML |display=title,inline}}
{{Commons category|METRO Blue Line}}
*[https://www.metrotransit.org/route/blue Metro Transit: Metro Blue Line]
*[http://world.nycsubway.org/us/minneapolis/index.html nycsubway.org: Hiawatha Line image collection]
*[http://www.metrotransit.org/Schedules/WebSchedules.aspx?route=901 Route map and schedule]
*[http://www.cityrailtransit.com/maps/minneapolis_map.htm Network map (to scale)]
* {{cite web
| url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0v6ajnDCrkM
| title=[Front view] Metro Blue Line: Target Field (Minneapolis) to Mall of America
| publisher=[[YouTube]]
| date = December 20, 2022 | access-date=March 17, 2023
| author=otter_us/OtterSou}}

{{Twin Cities Transit}}
{{USLightRail}}

{{authority control}}

[[Category:Light rail in Minnesota]]
[[Category:Minneapolis–Saint Paul]]
[[Category:Transportation in Minneapolis]]
[[Category:Railway lines opened in 2004]]
[[Category:Airport rail links in the United States]]
[[Category:Transportation in Hennepin County, Minnesota]]
[[Category:750 V DC railway electrification]]
[[Category:Metro Transit (Minnesota)]]