Watch: Video provides view of METRO Gold Line BRT corridor

A new video provides an aerial view of the METRO Gold Line, which begins frequent, all-day bus rapid transit (BRT) service Saturday, March 22, between St. Paul and Woodbury. It shows the transformation that’s occurred along the east metro alignment since construction began. 

Gold Line rides will be free from Saturday, March 22 through Friday, March 28, courtesy of Ramsey and Washington counties. Payment will be required, though, if passengers transfer to another route. Transit employees will be riding Gold Line buses to answer questions about the new service, schedule, and fare payment. 

The METRO Gold Line is an important step forward in the ongoing effort to expand the regional METRO network. It is the Twin Cities sixth bus rapid transit line and the first of three to open in 2025.  

The METRO B Line bus rapid transit between downtown St. Paul and the Uptown area of south Minneapolis will open June 14. The METRO E Line bus rapid transit connecting the University of Minnesota and Southdale Transit Center will open in December. 

The Gold Line will connect people across the region to job centers, housing options, transit stations and key destinations in the Interstate 94 corridor. The 10-mile line will connect St. Paul, Maplewood, Landfall, Oakdale, and Woodbury generally along I-94.

Gold Line will be Minnesota’s first bus rapid transit line that operates primarily within bus-only lanes. These lanes are dedicated only to transit buses and are generally north of and near I-94. Gold Line has been built with several 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 St. Paul, Oakdale, and Woodbury
• Real-time arrival and departure information
• Heated shelters, lighting, and security features

METRO Gold Line Extension

To enhance regional mobility, the Gold Line, opening on time and under budget, will be extended to downtown Minneapolis. In 2027, Gold Line service will allow people to travel more efficiently between some of the region’s top destinations.

The Gold Line Extension will bring new, enhanced stations to I-94 and Snelling Avenue. In Minneapolis, the Gold Line Extension would use existing bus rapid transit stations on 7th and 8th streets and bring customers as far as the METRO Green Line Extension’s Royalston Avenue/Farmers Market Station in Minneapolis. Learn more about the extension project.

To learn more about additional BRT lines that are planned see Bus Rapid Transit – Metro Transit.