Minneapolis Bus Accident Attorneys

Injured in a Crash Caused by a Negligent Bus Driver?

In Minneapolis, buses are a lifeline for many residents, commuters, students, and visitors alike. In 2024, Metro Transit logged 31.9 million bus rides and more than 47.5 million total transit rides across buses, light rail, and commuter lines. With such enormous ridership comes real risk: when a bus collision occurs, the consequences can be catastrophic.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a bus accident in Minneapolis, our Minneapolis bus accident lawyers at Butwinick Injury Law understand the local transit system, applicable state and federal regulations, and how to navigate claims against public agencies. We specialize in complex bus crash cases and are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Contact us today at (763) 415-7462 for a free consultation with a Minneapolis bus accident lawyer.

Metro Transit & Bus Use in Minneapolis

Metro Transit is the primary public transportation operator in the Twin Cities region, offering bus, light rail, and commuter rail services. Wikipedia+1 In 2023, the system recorded nearly 45 million transit rides, of which over 30 million were bus trips—representing a 14 % increase in bus ridership year over year. Metro recognizes the importance of bus service: it now operates more than 159 routes across multiple counties and cities.

More recently, Metro Transit is expanding its bus rapid transit (BRT) network. For example:

• The D Line (opened December 2022) runs along Chicago/Emerson avenues and replaces parts of the busy Route 5 corridor.
• The Gold Line BRT began service in March 2025, operating between St. Paul and Woodbury, and is planned for extension toward downtown Minneapolis.

Because of the volume of buses and passengers in Minneapolis, collisions involving buses are not rare. Knowing how to connect a victim’s injuries to potential liability requires both legal skill and local knowledge of routes, transit schedules, and operational policies.

Common Types of Buses In Minneapolis

On Minneapolis streets, you might see crashes involving:

• Metro Transit Local and Express Buses — the backbone of city and region-wide service.
• Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Vehicles — operating on routes like D, A, C, and Gold with limited stops, off-board payment, and transit-priority signals.
• School Buses — transporting K–12 students for school districts.
• Charter / Tour Buses — private companies that bring visitors, sports teams, or event groups.
• Shuttle Buses / Microtransit Vans — smaller vehicles for campuses, hotels, or last-mile connections.

Each type comes with different liability risks, regulatory oversight, and patterns of use. For instance, BRT buses may travel longer distances faster and run in bus-priority lanes, whereas a local route bus may weave through crowded city streets, stopping frequently.

Common Causes of Bus Accidents in Minneapolis

While every accident is unique, here are some recurring causes in the Minneapolis area:

• Driver Negligence or Distraction – texting, fatigue, speeding, or inattention behind the wheel.
• Improper Training or Hiring – transit agencies or private bus companies sometimes fail to vet drivers adequately.
• Mechanical Failures – brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, steering defects, or suspension problems.
• Poor Road or Weather Conditions – in Minnesota’s winter, snow, ice, or slush can reduce traction and visibility.
• Signal/Intersection Conflicts – many metro bus routes rely on transit signal priority or signal coordination. Studies of Route 5 in Minneapolis have shown that using transit signal priority (TSP) helps smooth vehicle movement and reduce crash risk. arXiv
• Third-Party Collisions – another vehicle runs a red light or makes a negligent turn and strikes a bus.
• Passenger Movement / Overcrowding – abrupt braking or turning can cause passengers to fall and suffer injuries (especially if standing).
• Bus Lane or Intersection Design Issues – poorly timed lights, confusing geometry, or inadequate signage may increase accident risk.

Understanding the root cause is essential. A successful claim may require engineering experts, accident reconstructionists, transit operations data, and driver logs.