Ramsey County is gearing up to launch the METRO Gold Line, the area's newest advancement in public transportation, set to debut this Saturday. This bus rapid transit (BRT) line promises to connect communities across the East Metro with a 10-mile route that spans Saint Paul, Maplewood, Landfall, Oakdale, to Woodbury, roughly tracing the path of I-94.
The inauguration of the Gold Line service on March 22 marks not only a new era for public mobility in Minnesota but also a milestone as the state's first BRT system to utilize dedicated bus lanes. The project completed both on budget and ahead of schedule, is a testament to the region’s commitment to enhancing transit solutions for its citizens. With buses scheduled every 10 minutes on weekdays and every 15 minutes on weekends, the new line aims to connect over 93,500 jobs and feature 16 new stations. According to Ramsey County, pedestrian and trail improvements totaling about $20 million are designed to improve accessibility, especially for individuals with disabilities.
Residents can participate in the celebrations which include a ribbon-cutting ceremony set for 10:00 a.m. this Saturday at the Woodlane Park & Ride in Woodbury. Moreover, community festivities are planned from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at both the Woodlane and Sun Ray Park & Ride locations in Woodbury and Saint Paul, respectively. These events promise to offer food trucks, entertainment, and activities suited for diverse age groups, promising enjoyment for the entire family, the county officials have announced.
To encourage the community to try out the Gold Line, Ramsey County is offering a week of free rides from March 22 through the 28. During this period, residents can hop on and off the Gold Line at no cost, an initiative courtesy of Ramsey and Washington counties.
