MN-2022-029

Application Purpose:
The Metro Gold Line is a planned 10.3-mile dedicated Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line that will connect people across the region to job centers, housing options, other transit lines, and key destinations in the I-94 corridor, including the cities of Saint Paul, Maplewood, Landfall, Oakdale, and Woodbury (MN).

Activities Performed:
The Metro Gold Line BRT project will construct a 10.3-mile BRT alignment, nearly 70% dedicated guideway. It will also construct 16 full amenity stations with fare collection, real-time signage, heat, lighting, bike racks, and enhanced security. Additionally, the project will procure 17 BRT branded 60 buses (12 diesel and 5 battery electric) with 3 doors, 5 electric charging stations, and construct BRT upgrades to the existing East Metro Garage. Furthermore, the project will construct 4 new BRT exclusive bridges, 2 new BRT underpasses of existing roadways, and 2 bridges with dedicated guideway lanes, general purpose traffic lanes, and pedestrian facilities. Lastly, it will construct 3 surface park-and-ride facilities and improvements to 1 existing facility, totaling approximately 950 spaces.

Expected Outcomes:
The Metro Gold Line BRT will improve mobility for the eastern part of the Twin Cities metropolitan area region by providing all-day bidirectional service and by better connecting the area to the expanding regional metro network. Additionally, the investment will support the planned growth and development opportunities around the stations, creating new economic opportunities and strengthening existing neighborhoods.

Intended Beneficiaries:
The communities along the proposed Metro Gold Line BRT corridor currently lack all-day bidirectional transit service, particularly east of Saint Paul and Maplewood. As a result, much of the project area is not accessible by transit. The Gold Line will connect the East Metro, including the cities of Saint Paul, Maplewood, Landfall, Oakdale, and Woodbury (MN), to the regional metro network, resulting in enhanced transit service that will improve the ability of project-area residents to access employment and other destinations in the greater Twin Cities metropolitan area.

Subrecipient Activities:
None.

Minnesota Metropolitan Council

20.500 - Federal Transit Capital Investment Grants

FTA Region 5 [DOT - FTA]

FTA Office of Budget and Policy [DOT - FTA]

Minnesota United States

State-Wide

None

Infrastructure $239,345,549 (100%) percent this Project Grant was funded by the 2021 Infrastructure Act.
Amendment Since initial award the total obligations have decreased 33% from $731,426,093 to $492,080,544.