Resolution criteria

This market will resolve to "YES" if the Minneapolis Green Line Extension (also known as the Southwest Light Rail Transit or SWLRT) begins revenue service and is open to the public at any point during the calendar year 2027. Otherwise, it will resolve to "NO". The official opening date as announced by the Metropolitan Council or Metro Transit will serve as the primary source for resolution.

Background

The METRO Green Line Extension is a 14.5-mile light rail project designed to connect downtown Minneapolis with Eden Prairie, passing through St. Louis Park, Hopkins, and Minnetonka, and adding 16 new stations. The estimated opening date has been delayed multiple times, shifting from an initial projection of 2023 to the current anticipated opening in 2027. As of October 2025, Metro Transit has begun initial train testing along the extension, with comprehensive systems integration and operational testing scheduled to continue throughout 2025 and 2026.

Considerations

Significant factors contributing to past delays and cost overruns include unexpected poor soil conditions requiring design changes for the Kenilworth tunnel, the construction of a one-mile crash wall between freight and LRT tracks, and the re-addition of the Eden Prairie Town Center station. The project's completion hinges on successful execution of the remaining construction, systems integration, and extensive operational testing.

More information can be found here: https://metrocouncil.org/Transportation/Projects/Light-Rail-Projects/METRO-Green-Line-Extension.aspx