Green Line to the Airport Project Benefits
The Green Line to the Airport light rail extension alignment is strategically situated in close proximity to several of the planned high-density, mixed-use neighborhoods as well as the regional employment and entertainment destinations in Downtown Sacramento. The extension also offers vital connections to the communities of South Natomas and North Natomas. This extension will be able to serve this burgeoning residential and economic region.
Connecting Neighborhoods – Spanning approximately 13 miles north from downtown Sacramento to the Sacramento International Airport, the Green Line will provide convenient, direct, and reliable regional and local connections. The Green Line will connect new and existing neighborhoods, employment and retail centers, and other key destinations in downtown Sacramento, the River District and the Natomas communities.
The Green Line to the Airport light rail extension project will support the region’s “smart growth” objectives by connecting to new pedestrian friendly communities in south Natomas and north Natomas, and the River District, while providing a transit option to reduce sprawl and auto-oriented development patterns, and increasing energy efficient land use development throughout the corridor. Non auto-dependent travel choices will be enhanced with improved connectivity to RT’s Blue Line and Gold Line light rail service, Amtrak national rail service, the Capitol Corridor and San Joaquin regional commuter rail services, and multiple RT bus routes, as well as ultimately the Sacramento International Airport.
Enhancing Economic Development – The Green Line to the Airport light rail extension project will serve as a regional economic catalyst by enhancing access and promoting alternative modes of transportation to several employment centers and shopping districts along the extension and other potential development opportunities along the corridor. The extension project has long been a part of the South Natomas and North Natomas Community Plans. Proposed stations can serve as a catalyst to incentivize activity centers featuring a mix of land uses, such as higher density residences, entertainment venues, cultural institutions, more intensive job sites and the redevelopment of the Sleep Train Arena site.
Improving Livability – The Green Line to the Airport light rail extension project will improve the region’s quality of life by helping to protect and improve our environment, and providing its residents alternative travel modes. This project will improve air quality by reducing vehicle miles traveled in single occupant automobiles, saving energy and reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. This will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the region’s carbon footprint.