Transit Oriented Development and transit access
Neighborhoods served by high frequency transit have grown significantly over the past decade. Since 2009, more than 40% of all multifamily and commercial development has occurred within a half mile of a high-frequency transit investment, which represents just 3% of the region by area. Cumulatively, over $13.7 billion has been invested and over 44,000 new multifamily units have been built near transit. Much of this development will have direct and frequent transit service to Central Station Block.
The Central Station site is at the heart of a rapidly expanding regional transit hub with direct access to light rail, bus rapid transit, local and express buses, and an extensive pedestrian and bicycle network. The METRO Green Line connects the Central Station Block directly to the largest job and activity centers in Minnesota: the State Capitol is a 6-minute trip; the University of Minnesota campus is a 29-minute ride; and the heart of downtown Minneapolis is just 10 minutes farther along the line, all with a one-seat ride on trains departing every 15 minutes. The Green Line is the busiest single transit route in Minnesota serving 25,000 - 30,000 weekday trips.
The geographic areas of the region accessible by high frequency transitways will expand from downtown Saint Paul with the completion of multiple bus rapid transit projects. The METRO Gold Line, on schedule to open in 2025, will have a station on the Central Station block along 5th Street and provide service to the eastern suburbs on a dedicated guideway ensuring fast and reliable service. The METRO Purple Line is in the planning stages to provide dedicated guideway service to the northern suburbs from downtown Saint Paul. In addition, the Riverview Corridor is being planned for a modern streetcar from downtown Saint Paul to MSP Airport Terminal 1 and Mall of America. In the interim, bus Route 54 bus from downtown delivers customers directly to Terminal 1 in 24 minutes and Mall of America in 34 minutes.
Gold Line Map
Riverview Corridor
Purple Line Map