METRO Gold Line

The METRO Gold Line is a 10-mile transit line which will connect people across the region to job centers, housing options, transit stations and key destinations in the I-94 corridor. The dedicated Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line will connect Saint Paul, Maplewood, Landfall, Oakdale and Woodbury generally along Interstate 94.

The Gold Line will be Minnesota's first BRT line that operates primarily within bus-only lanes. These lanes are dedicated only to transit buses and will be built north of Interstate 94. The Gold Line will be built with several premium features to ensure a comfortable ride and fast service:

Frequent, all-day service in both directions
Pre-boarding fare payment for faster stops
Access to Park & Ride lots in Saint Paul, Oakdale and Woodbury
Real-time arrival and departure information
Heated shelters, lighting and security features
Anticipated opening in 2024

For project information, visit the METRO Gold Line project website.

From 2017-19, Bus Rapid Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Planning took place in the communities surrounding each new Gold Line BRT station, creating plans for transit-supportive land uses and improved pedestrian, bike, and auto access within a half mile of each of the 10 new METRO Gold Line BRT stations. View completed Station Area Plans.

A Federal Transit Administration Transit Oriented Development Pilot Program grant was received by the Metropolitan Council to complete this work. The work was led by the Gold Line Partners, a group comprised of local elected officials, and business and community leaders.

Gold Line Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Washington County support the METRO Gold Line BRT project?

The Landfall, Oakdale, and Woodbury areas in Washington County are experiencing growth and continued development -- and currently all-day, frequent, reliable transit options do not exist in this area of the County.

Increasing transportation alternatives between downtown St. Paul and Woodbury provides more access for residents and employers alike -- to jobs, schools, medical and clinic services, shopping, and entertainment. Transit, and the improved pedestrian and bicycle access planned near the stations, are important infrastructure improvements that have benefits that go beyond the service itself.

Washington County is committed to safe and efficient transit service to meet the existing and long-term mobility and accessibility needs of residents and business in the eastern portion of the Twin Cities Metropolitan Region.

How is the project funded?

The METRO Gold Line BRT project will be funded by a combination of Federal, State, and County dollars.

The Federal Transit Administration will contribute about 45% of the project cost, Ramsey and Washington Counties contribute roughly 25% each, and the remainder comes from a variety of sources, such as: State bond funds, MnDOT, Counties Transit Improvement Board, and surface transportation block grants. Cities do not fund any of the base project cost but can choose to include additional enhancements at their own discretion.

Washington County has implemented a 0.25 cent sales tax since 2008 to fund transportation and the capital and operating costs of transit projects. The METRO Gold Line is an approved project and qualifies for use of County sales tax funds. Washington County property tax dollars do not fund the METRO Gold Line project.

What is the Gold Line Joint Powers Board?

A Gold Line Joint Powers Board has been formed to manage and provide financial oversight of METRO Gold Line project funding. The Joint Powers Board is comprised of representatives from each of the member parties: the Washington County Board of Commissioners and Washington County Regional Railroad Authority, and the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners and Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority.

The Joint Powers Board meets monthly, and all meetings are open to members of the public. Meeting agendas and notifications are posted on the Washington County website.

METRO Gold Line

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