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Purple Line BRT Project

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.

View a map of the METRO Purple Line (as of December 2021)

 

Route Modification Study Factsheet - Hmong | Karen | Somali | Spanish


Project schedule

2022-TBD: Design Advancement, Route Modification Study Phase I and Phase II

TBD: Construction starts

TBD: Anticipated opening of the Purple Line


Stay informed

Subscribe to Purple Line Update to get project updates. 


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
 
Liz Jones, elizabeth.jones@metrotransit.org, 651-602-1977

Colin Owens, colin.owens@metrotransit.org, 612-618-0495