- Project staff are exploring a potential new route along White Bear Avenue. Learn more about the Route Modification Study.
As initially envisioned, the METRO Purple Line BRT was a 15-mile line between Union Depot in downtown Saint Paul and downtown White Bear Lake generally along Robert Street, Jackson Street, Phalen Boulevard, Ramsey County rail right of way co-located with the Bruce Vento Regional Trail and Highway 61. In spring 2022, the Purple Line began a Route Modification Study to evaluate a new northern terminus north of Beam Avenue to either end the line at Maplewood Mall Transit Center, I-35E & County Rd. E park & ride in Vadnais Heights or Century College on the border of White Bear Lake and Mahtomedi. An ending at Maplewood Mall Transit Center proved to be the only option that would qualify for federal funds.
The Purple Line project is now beginning to evaluate White Bear Avenue as an alternative to using the Bruce Vento Regional Trail Corridor. Options for the route to continue beyond Maplewood Mall Transit Center will continue to be explored during the evaluation of this new alignment. Learn more about the Route Modification Study.
The line will connect with existing and future light rail and bus rapid transit service of the METRO system, including direct or close connections to the Green Line, Gold Line, B Line, G Line, and H Line, as well as local and express bus routes. The line will increase accessibility to jobs, housing, and services, thus improving the attractiveness and competitiveness of the east metro area.
The Metropolitan Council, in partnership with Ramsey County and the Minnesota Department of Transportation, will design and construct the project. Metro Transit will own, operate and maintain the line. Design and construction funding will be provided by the Federal Transit Administration and Ramsey County. Operations and maintenance funding will be provided by Ramsey County and the Metropolitan Council.
Project schedule
2022-TBD: Design Advancement, Route Modification Study Phase I and Phase II
TBD: Construction starts
TBD: Anticipated opening of the Purple Line
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Project Contacts
Purple Line Project Office
PurpleLine@metrotransit.org, 651-602-1955
Media Contact
Laura Baenen, laura.baenen@metrotransit.org, 612-269-4365
Community Outreach and Engagement
Colin Owens, colin.owens@metrotransit.org, 612-618-0495