Category: Analysis

After years of advocacy to establish east-west crosstown transit service in the northwest suburbs, Metro Transit answered the calls made by local leaders and community members to close transit gaps and better serve the community years before the opening of the Blue Line Extension. I took a ride on this new bus line to see what it’s like onboard and see what could change. Author Photo.

Meet Route 725: A new Crosstown Bus Line for the Northwest Suburbs

• March 13, 2026

A new crosstown route demonstrates how to provide quick, efficient service in the suburbs while connecting riders to commercial, business and transit hubs.

A view of the exterior of Karmel Mall, from the Lake Street sidewalk, facing west. The immediate sidewalk is well cleared of snow, but it’s certainly cold out - the temperature outside here is well below zero degrees Fahrenheit. Photo credits to Priscilla G. You can find more of her work on her Unsplash.

There Are No Safe Streets under Fascist Occupation

• January 23, 2026

ICE surveillance and “occupation” are hollowing out Twin Cities’ cultural corridors.

A Metro Transit BRT bus on a St Paul side street with "1 Million Rides" on the numberboard
A BRT bus parked outside the B Line's Millionth Ride celebration on Nov 8th, 2025

Is the B Line Faster than the 21?

• December 12, 2025

A pair of transit geeks ride the new Metro B Line end-to-end to see whether all its promised upgrades—from bus lanes to off-board payment—actually deliver the faster trip Metro Transit advertised.

A surveillance camera shows the back of a man walking down the street, allegedly during a bike theft.
This thief was undeterred by a big floodlight and video camera as he walked confidently to my neighbor's garage at 1:44 a.m. Photo: Mike Vogl

Bike Theft, Part 2: The Best Defense

• January 30, 2025

Until we have better data on bike thefts in the Twin Cities and more robust deterrence from law enforcement, the onus of prevention lies on owners.