Temporarily Solving the Southwest LRT Boondoggle

Metro Transit’s Green Line Extension, otherwise known as the Southwest Light Rail or LRT, has been delayed until 2027, or four years past its originally planned opening, due primarily to construction issues between the West 21st Street and West Lake Street stations.

I would like to propose a temporary solution: open the line as soon as possible between SouthWest Station in Eden Prairie and the West Lake Street station, while continuing to work on the segment between West Lake and West 21st.

This would engender good will to the people of the southwestern suburbs, and show that light rail isn’t an utter waste of money. At West Lake, there should be, if sufficient resources exist, express or limited stop shuttle buses to downtown Minneapolis. No, this isn’t “good enough” in the long run, but at least it would show people the Metropolitan Council is trying. I can guess this idea will fall on deaf ears, but I still believe it is the best way to deal with a bad situation.

The main benefit of the Green Line extension isn’t speed, it’s the making of all-day transit available to the Southwest suburbs, which are now not well served except at rush hour. The SouthWest Transit buses don’t run on weekends and other bus routes in the area are spotty at best.

Let’s all experience the blessings of LRT as soon as possible.