Metro Transit launches Gold Line bus service in St. Paul

Metro Transit is excited about the launch of its new Gold Line bus rapid transit (BRT) system. This 10-mile line connects St. Paul to four eastern suburbs: Maplewood, Landfall, Oakdale, and Woodbury. The Gold Line will eventually have 16 stops, including significant locations like downtown St. Paul and 3M headquarters. Last year, over 8 million rides were taken on bus rapid transit lines, a 14% increase compared to 2023. Metro Transit overall saw a 6% rise in ridership. The Gold Line aims to support this recovery by providing frequent and reliable service. Buses will run every 10 minutes on weekdays and every 15 minutes on weekends, primarily on bus-only roads. Riders will benefit from quicker boarding procedures. Passengers will pay in advance and use any of three doors to board buses. The new 60-foot buses also have wider aisles and equipment for people with mobility devices. Metro Transit General Manager Lesley Kandaras stated that the Gold Line will help connect communities and improve lives. Total funding for the project was $505.3 million, sourced from various federal and regional funds. Despite some uncertainty about future federal support, there is a strong belief in the importance of transit projects. Experts note that many voters across different states support initiatives for better public transportation. Overall, the Gold Line marks an important addition to the transit system. It is seen as a step towards improving bus service, especially as the region considers future expansions, including a possible route to downtown Minneapolis by 2027. The new line represents a commitment to providing quality transit options as communities recover from the pandemic.