Minnesota's Metro Bus breaks ground on new transit facility. The new facility will augment the current Metro Bus Transit Center and overall system as part of new routes and service improvements known as Metro Bus Forward. May 13, 2026 1 min to read * Representatives from Metro Bus, MnDOT, and project suppliers met to begin construction of a new transit facility in St. Cloud, Minnesota. * The facility is part of the Metro Bus Forward initiative, aiming to enhance routes and service in the region. * MnDOT's Caroline Miller emphasized the project's goal to improve transit access and resource utilization across Minnesota. *Summarized by AI Representatives from St. Cloud, Minnesota's Metro Bus board, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), and project suppliers recently gathered to kick off construction of a new transit facility officially. The new facility will augment the current Metro Bus Transit Center and overall system as part of new routes and service improvements known as Metro Bus Forward. Ad Loading... The new Metro Bus facility. At the ceremony, Metro Bus CEO Ryan I. Daniel welcomed speakers, including Metro Bus Board Chair Dave Kleis, Board member and Waite Park Mayor Ken Schmidt, COO David Green, and MnDOT Office of Transit and Active Transportation Assistant Office Director Caroline Miller. During the ceremony, Miller explained the benefits of the new facility for travelers in the region and beyond. "This project represents a commitment to strengthening transit access across Minnesota. It's going to make better use of existing resources, offer more services, and ultimately better serve the communities," she said. "We know that St. Cloud Metro Bus is very thoughtful and careful with the design to ensure that the facility is working for all users, including those who are using paratransit, with improvements like ADA design, wayfinding, and safety." Metro Bus anticipates completing the new facility in 2027, with timing for the grand opening and Metro Bus Forward service changes to be announced. *Summarized by AI Ad Loading...

Metro Bus awarded $14 million FTA grant to power the community forward. Ridemetrobus is excited to announce Ridemetrobus has been awarded a $14,289,325 grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) a transformative investment that will strengthen the public transportation system and enhance mobility for the communities served. This funding is earmarked for fleet replacement and will be used exclusively to replace 23 city/large buses that have reached their federal useful life. By modernizing their fleet, Metro Bus will continue to deliver safe, reliable and efficient service while improving overall network performance for its riders. "This achievement reflects the dedication, expertise and collaborative spirit of our entire team. I would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Nene Israel, CFO, Metro Bus; Dave Green, COO, Metro Bus; and Vicki Johnson, Senior Transportation Planner, St. Cloud Area Planning Organization for their exceptional leadership, financial stewardship and operational excellence in securing this critical investment for our community. Together, we are building a stronger, more connected future for all!" Metro Bus CEO Ryan I. Daniel explains. In 2014, Metro Bus became the first public transit agency in Minnesota to operate a bus fleet using Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). The CNG Project included the construction of a compressor compound and fueling station, modifications to the maintenance and storage facility, and the purchase of 23 new buses. The project was funded by a $3.35 million US Department of Transportation (USDOT) Clean Fuels grant, a $7.8 million Minnesota Department of Transportation grant and a local revenue bond. One of Metro Bus's newest Fixed Route buses advances through an intersection in downtown St. Cloud. Large buses purchased with FTA grants have a useful life of 12 years after which they must be replaced according to the FTA. The 23 CNG buses originally purchased in 2014 are due to be replaced in the coming year and the FTA grant will allow that to happen on schedule, dependent on manufacturing availability. The entire Metro Bus fleet is currently fueled by CNG thanks to Federal, State and local support for clean fuel vehicles.

Following an extensive Request For Proposal and vetting process, Metro Bus selected Oertel Architects to design and build the new facility.