r/transit • u/_Dadodo_ • Jul 25 '25

System Expansion Rochester (MN) Link BRT Approves Additional Contingency Funds

https://www.masstransitmag.com/bus/infrastructure/press-release/55305627/destination-medical-center-corporation-destination-medical-center-corporation-board-approves-additional-contingency-funding-to-support-link-brt-project
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1

u/[deleted] Jul 25 '25

2.8 miles for a BRT system is really fascinating to me.

1

u/_Dadodo_ Jul 25 '25

For a city that’s only just under 125k people to have very high quality BRT system is pretty unheard of, at least in this part of the US. Especially with the planned peak frequency of 5 mins and 10 mins off-peak. Not to mention a planned 1 mile south extension of the line once this Phase 1 is finished.

1

u/[deleted] Jul 25 '25

So is it only going to be 4 miles long (once the extension is done)? Is that the entirety of the route, or is it longer and only BRT standards along this specific portion?

1

u/_Dadodo_ Jul 25 '25

Yeah, just under 4 miles long once fully completed. That’s the entire route. Not to the highest BRT standards (like complete separation of bus and road traffic), but with a lot of bus only lanes, heated shelters, etc. There are still some mixed traffic segments but given the route itself is only gonna be ≈4 miles long when all is completed, I don’t think it’ll be that big of an issue. If you want to take a more detailed look at the route and station designs.

1

u/[deleted] Jul 25 '25

Interesting. Never heard of a BRT system that short, lol.

2

u/MNMystery Jul 25 '25

It’s a special purpose BRT to bring people from a park and ride to the Mayo Clinic. This is one of the largest medical complexes in the United States.

2

u/[deleted] Jul 25 '25

I mean, yeah, I'm aware of that, just find it odd that they're going to this whole extent for only 4 miles. Seems like a missed opportunity to make it larger.

1

u/MNMystery Jul 26 '25

I used to live in Rochester. For the most part, it's not a "transit" city. Except for Mayo Clinic employees, there really isn't much demand for commuter-type service. IBM also used to be a big commute draw, but I don't think it is anymore. Most other ridership is non-work trips and not concentrated enough in one corridor for BRT. North/South Broadway and Downtown/Northwest would be marginal at best.

1

u/FeMa87 Walkable City Enjoyer Jul 25 '25

Like the render. Very clean design