District 12
Proposed changes to Metro Transit H Line
More than 50 neighbors gathered in May to discuss the future of transit along Como Avenue at a meeting hosted by the District 12 Community Council and Metro Transit about the proposed Metro H Line.
The District 12 Transportation Committee meeting brought together residents, business owners, Metro Transit staff, St. Paul Public Works and a Ward 4 City Council representative to discuss how the proposed Bus Rapid Transit project could shape transportation and daily life in St. Anthony Park.
Metro Transit representatives said the proposed H Line project would bring faster and more frequent service to the corridor through upgraded stations, fewer stops, transit signal priority and enhanced rider amenities.
The H Line is planned to connect downtown Minneapolis, the University of Minnesota, Como Avenue, Maryland Avenue and White Bear Avenue before ending at Sun Ray Transit Center in St. Paul.
One of the strongest themes raised during the conversation was concern about the future of transit connections between north St. Anthony Park and downtown St. Paul. Many neighbors spoke about the importance of maintaining a reliable “one-seat ride” downtown for students, workers, seniors and residents who regularly rely on Route 3 service.
Attendees also raised questions about future transfers, accessibility during winter months, stop spacing, preservation of mature trees along Como Avenue, impacts to local businesses and parking and how future bike infrastructure could fit alongside the project.
A significant portion of the discussion focused on the proposed station location near Doswell Avenue in the north St. Anthony Park business district. Neighbors and business representatives expressed concerns about the possible loss of trees and parking spaces, as well as how station placement could affect nearby storefronts and outdoor seating areas.
Following the meeting and additional community input, District 12 submitted formal comments to Metro Transit supporting improved transit investment while outlining recommendations on station placement, bike infrastructure, tree and parking preservation, and maintaining strong connections to downtown St. Paul.
Among the recommendations, District 12 urged Metro Transit to consider relocating the proposed north St. Anthony Park station from Doswell Avenue to Carter Avenue. It also encouraged continued planning coordination around a future separated bike path along Como Avenue.
SAPCC also recommended studying an additional station near Buford Avenue to support future redevelopment near Luther Seminary and extending the proposed Route 66 farther west to maintain stronger transit connections for neighborhood residents.
While Metro Transit’s formal public comment period on the draft corridor plan has concluded, further refinements on the project are expected to continue as the H Line moves into future design and engineering phases.
Metro Transit’s current project schedule anticipates planning work continuing through 2026, followed by design work in 2026–27 and potential construction in 2028–29.
More information about the Metro H Line project is available at metrotransit.org/h-line-project.
Upcoming District 12 meetings
District 12 encourages neighbors to attend monthly committee meetings, available in-person and online. Learn more at sapcc.org.
- Land Use Committee: 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 4
- District 12 Board: 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 11
- Environment Committee: 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 24
- Equity Committee: 6:30 p.m. on Monday, June 29
- Transportation Committee: 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30
Submitted by District 12 executive director Zev Radziwill.