Model of rapid transit system station being shown off downtown
Rochester’s future bus rapid transit system is now known as “Link.”
On Monday, officials from the City of Rochester and Destination Medical Center unveiled the new brand, along with a prototype of a Link station. The model is located at the proposed stop outside the Mayo Civic Center.
“There are several features unique to bus rapid transit that are on display,” said Jarrett Hubbard, a project manager for the city, in the announcement. “The most striking is the platform size. At 80 feet in length, Link’s platform will allow the larger, 60-foot vehicles to open three doors simultaneously at a level boarding platform to allow for efficient boarding and alighting.”
Notable features being demonstrated in the Link station model include “generous enclosed spaces to provide shelter from the elements, off-board fare payment, and passenger information screens.”
Once up and running — which officials say could happen by 2025 — the system will include seven stops along Second Street, including the Civic Center, Cascade Lake, Mayo Clinic campuses, and the Government Center.
As proposed, about half of the $114 million project would be paid for using state and local DMC transportation funding. The other half would come from a grant from the Federal Transit Agency. While President Joe Biden did include the project in his proposed budget, Congress still needs to act before any decision is made regarding federal funding. If implemented as planned, the BRT line would be the first of its kind in Greater Minnesota.
“Link will provide essential service along one of Rochester’s busiest corridors,” Rochester City Council President Brook Carlson said in a written statement. “In doing so, the service will accommodate future growth and provide a quality service for quality living — a council priority.”
The public is invited to take a self-guided tour of the Link station model now through Oct. 1. Additionally, the city will be hosting a Mobility Fair block party on Saturday, Sept. 18 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Cover graphic: the new Link logo unveiled on Monday
