The Robert Street Corridor is recognized as a regional transitway by the Metropolitan Council. In 2012, the Dakota and Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authorities began an alternatives study to understand transportation needs in the area and identify transit projects that could address them. The study initially considered transit improvements in areas between downtown St. Paul and Rosemount, including West St. Paul, South St. Paul, Eagan, Mendota Heights and Inver Grove Heights.
This study considered future changes in population and employment in the area, where there is an expected increase of 63,000 people and 65,000 jobs by 2030.
Two alternatives, bus rapid transit and streetcar on Robert Street in St. Paul and West St. Paul, were identified as the projects with the best potential to address the needs for improved transit service in the study area. A decision on which project to pursue was deferred to allow communities on the route to consider both options in their upcoming comprehensive plan processes.
The study further recommended establishing commuter express bus service to St. Paul on Highway 52.
Robert Street Transitway Alternatives Study - Executive Summary
Robert Street Transitway Alternatives Study - Final Report
For more information, contact the Dakota County Transit Office at 952-891-7000 or transit@co.dakota.mn.us.