The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) recently awarded the Twin Cities’ Metropolitan Council a $239.3 million Capital Investment Grants program grant award for its Gold Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project.
The 10.3-mile Metro Transit Gold Line BRT will include 16 stations and seven miles of exclusive bus lanes and will better connect residents of the east metro area of Minneapolis-St. Paul to job centers and other opportunities.
“The Gold Line BRT project will not only provide better public transportation to residents, but it will also promote equity by connecting areas of affordable housing with jobs and other opportunities,” FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez said. “We applaud the Metropolitan Council’s choice to use electric-powered buses, which will improve air quality and help address climate change.”
Approximately 14 percent of households within a half-mile of Gold Line stations don’t have a car. The Metropolitan Council estimates the Gold Line BRT project will provide access to 89,000 jobs along the route and provide more than two million rides annually by 2040.
During peak hours, buses will run every 10 minutes. Features will include pre-boarding fare payment, real-time arrival and departure screens, and station amenities.
The Gold Line will be the first BRT in Minnesota to operate mostly in a bus-only corridor.