REVISED Click here for a revised pocket schedule for the Rush Line commuter coach service (Route 285). Changes effective July 18, 2011.
Click here for a fact sheet on Rush Line commuter coach service.
Click here for a fact sheet on the project and the transit alternatives analysis in the corridor
Rush Line Commuter Coach Service Extended
ST. PAUL, Sept. 15, 2011—Last month the Rush Line Corridor Task Force voted to approve a second year of operation for express commuter bus service between Forest Lake and downtown St. Paul, serving the communities of Columbus and White Bear Lake along the route. Last week, the Chisago County Board joined Ramsey, Anoka and Washington counties in formally approving the service extension.
Express bus service began in October 2010 as a one-year pilot project, in an effort to provide service to commuters and demonstrate the potential ridership in the corridor. Between the opening date and May 2011, ridership grew approximately 65 percent. Heavy construction along I-35E began this summer and will continue into summer 2012, providing a strong incentive for commuters to try the express bus service.
In 2010, federal funds were received for the service with matching local funding provided through Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington counties. It was anticipated that the funds would cover a year of service; however, First Transit’s winning bid for the service was significantly under the estimated cost for the service. Thus, a second year of service is possible without additional funding.
For more information on Route 285, visit the Metro Transit web site and visit the Rush Line on Facebook.
Click map for larger image (75.3k PDF)
| Morning Departures from Forest Lake | Evening Departures from The Union Depot |
| 5:43 a.m. | 3:41 p.m. |
| 6:28 a.m. | 4:11 p.m. |
| 6:58 a.m. | 4:41 p.m. |
| 7:18 a.m. | 5:16 p.m. |
