Transit Connections Support Ramsey County’s Expanding Role as a Regional Employment Hub

Ramsey County serves as a central location for jobs, attracting workers from within its borders and nearby areas. Understanding who is moving in and out of Ramsey County - and why - can help local government, non-profit agencies, and businesses better tap into and retain local talent. 

As of February 2025, more people travel into Ramsey County for daily work than leave. A total of 48,000 inbound commuters work within the county borders, an increase of 1,500 commuters from 2024.

These migration and commute patterns are pivotal in maximizing regional workforce opportunities. Ramsey County and its partners have invested significant time, funding and effort in building on these patterns to assist workforce development now and in the future.  

The B Line: the power of connectivity

Metro Transit is a vital asset for Ramsey County employers and individuals, providing efficient, safe, and cost-effective access to quality jobs, education, and services. The METRO B Line is a major infrastructure upgrade complementing Metro Transit’s existing services. This 13-mile bus rapid transit (BRT) route between downtown Saint Paul and Uptown Minneapolis strengthens Ramsey County’s position by connecting it to a growing web of high-frequency, high-efficiency public transit lines across the metro area.

“Metro Transit is in the business of connecting people with opportunities,” said Kyle Burrows, Metro Transit Arterial BRT Planning Manager. “Workforce development begins with access to jobs, education, and essential services. Our connections strengthen the economy by linking talent with employers.”

More than a new route, the METRO B Line opened June 14 as a transit backbone designed to transform how people move across the Twin Cities. Built to replace the frequently used but slower Route 21, the B Line dramatically improves speed, reliability, and rider experience. It connects nine current and planned BRT and light rail (LRT) lines. With 15 BRT lines expected to operate in the metropolitan area by 2035, Ramsey County’s improved connectivity through the B Line signals long-term growth and expanded opportunity.

“Our expanded service goes beyond the traditional 9-to-5 commute, providing frequent transit throughout the day and into the night,” said Burrows. “Whether it’s supporting second- and third-shift workers, educational access before or after work, or evolving travel patterns, this level of access is essential to building a more inclusive, connected, and vibrant community.”

Faster commutes; better access

One of the B Line’s core improvements is speed. Riders can now expect travel times up to 20% faster than Route 21, possible through:

• Fewer stops
• All-door boarding and raised platforms for quicker access
• Dedicated bus-only lanes for over one-third of the route
• Traffic signal priority that gives buses more green lights

These enhancements benefit individual riders and bolster workforce mobility by reducing commute times to major employers and educational institutions such as Saint Paul College, Concordia University, and the Midway area.

“The faster times, better reliability and improved comfort all remove that concern an individual may have about missing a shift, being late to work and generally presenting themselves as a dependable worker,” said Burrows. 

Equitable access for a diverse community 

Ramsey County has prioritized equitable development, and the B Line supports that mission. Of the more than 100,000 people living within a 10-minute walk or roll of the B Line corridor, 42% are racially and ethnically diverse, well above the regional average of 31%.

By improving access to jobs, healthcare, and education, the B Line addresses long-standing transportation equity gaps, ensuring all residents can participate in and benefit from the county’s growing economy.

The B Line is just one transit advantage serving Ramsey County. Other notable services available to individuals and employers include:

Metro Move, a new shared-ride transit service for people with disabilities, connecting them to day support services, jobs and community resources. Its large service area means individuals in all of Ramsey County’s communities have access to consistent, long operating hours, with standing orders to automatically schedule repeatable trips with fare-free boarding. 

Transit Link, a shared-ride public transportation for the Twin Cities metro area where regular route transit service is infrequent or unavailable. It's for trips that can’t be accomplished on regular transit routes alone.

Metro Micro, similar to a shared-ride service like Uber. Riders in Roseville, Woodbury, and other areas can book a ride from their location in the service area to anywhere in the same service area. Trips may be shared, and other customers may be picked up or dropped off along the way.

A catalyst for regional economic development

These transit lines are more than people movers; they are economic development engines. Between 2019 and 2023, nearly $912 million in development was permitted along the B Line corridor, with an additional $3.1 million in future investment identified. These numbers reflect how transit infrastructure can spur private and public investment, revitalize commercial corridors, and support business growth. Your personal care attendant can join you on the ride free of charge.

The success of the B Line wouldn’t be possible without collaboration. Ramsey County and the City of Saint Paul invested $1 million to improve traffic signals and lane markings along Marshall Avenue, enhancing safety and efficiency for all users. Meanwhile, Hennepin County and the City of Minneapolis contributed over $25 million to safety and accessibility upgrades on Lake Street, one of the highest crash corridors in the city.

“When cities and counties collaborate with Metro Transit to improve bus service reliability, they lay the groundwork for thoughtful land use and development along transit corridors,” said Burrows. “Reliable access through services like the B Line encourages shared investment and supports economic growth in places where people want to live and work.”

Looking ahead

As more Metro Transit services and BRT lines come online, including the E Line in December and the G, H, J, K, and L lines by 2035, the B Line will serve as a critical spoke in a larger, interconnected transportation network. For Ramsey County, this means even greater potential to attract talent, support employers, and remain a leader in equitable economic development.

To learn more about the B Line and other transit initiatives, visit Metro Transit’s BRT page. Read a previous discussion on these patterns or take a deep dive into the data in this webinar by Erin Olson, Senior Director of Strategic Research at RealTime Talent, hosted by Ramsey County Workforce Solutions earlier this year.

Workforce Solutions can offer assistance to employers and job seekers. Email us at employerservices@co.ramsey.mn.us today! Explore workforce demographics in Ramsey County here and sign up for the Workforce Innovation Board, Youth Works!, and Job Seeker newsletters to learn more about workforce shifts in Ramsey County.