MINNEAPOLIS — The longest shutdown in the history of the Minneapolis Metro Transit light rail system ended on Monday when service resumed on the Blue and Green Lines, News8000 reports.

The two lines had been shut down since June 22 for maintenance, affecting stations between Target Field and U.S. Bank Stadium. The shutdown left many riders frustrated and confused, especially since the rail construction coincided with other down road repairs and the shutdown of Lowry Tunnel on Interstate 94. For the full story, click here.

Meanwhile, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports that engineers have all but dropped a possible light rail line from plans to connect St. Paul's Union Depot to the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and the Mall of America in Bloomington, however, a modernized version of the classic streetcar remains a strong possibility.

A technical advisory committee composed of engineers and planners from Ramsey County, St. Paul, Minneapolis, Bloomington, the airport, Metro Transit, and other parties wrapped up a report in mid-June that narrows 18 options down to six, eliminating light rail and traditional, or dedicated-lane, bus rapid transit, reportedly because of cost and low ridership. For the full story, click here.