Overview
- The Metropolitan Council revised the Blue Line Extension budget upward by about $336 million to roughly $3.58–$3.6 billion after advancing design to 90 percent, the agency said in a report published this week.
- The council's new technical analysis found a bus rapid transit (BRT) alternative would cost about $120 million, creating a stark upfront cost contrast that has sharpened calls to reconsider light rail.
- Met Council officials attributed the higher light‑rail estimate to changes from municipal consent — including added and redesigned stations and more connectivity work — and a larger 32 percent contingency to cover economic uncertainty.
- The project now shows a working funding gap near $450 million and assumes about 21 percent federal support (roughly $752 million), leaving officials worried that missing federal funds would create an additional shortfall and could delay construction.
- Lawmakers and county leaders are sharply divided: opponents led by Rep. Jon Koznick press for cheaper BRT and pause on the rail, while supporters and disability advocates stress the rail's direct “one‑seat” trips, projected daily ridership of about 10,000, and accessibility benefits; next steps include county decisions and possible state or legislative action.