Green Line to the Airport: A Vision for the Future

July 20, 2026
General

The Green Line to the Airport is a long‑standing regional vision to connect Downtown Sacramento, North Natomas, and Sacramento International Airport with a clean, reliable, high‑capacity transit connection. Extending light rail to the airport has been identified in multiple regional planning documents over more than three decades as the ultimate fixed‑guideway investment for the corridor. The estimated cost of the full light rail extension is approximately $2 billion, including a new bridge over the American River and several elevated segments.

Because of the significant capital investment required, and the need to improve mobility in Natomas and the airport corridor sooner, SacRT is now pursuing a phased approach that may begin with Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). This potential early implementation strategy would deliver faster, more frequent service years before funding becomes available for the full rail extension, while still preserving the long‑term vision for light rail.

New Funding and Upcoming Feasibility Study

Working in partnership with the City of Sacramento, County of Sacramento, and the Sacramento Transportation Authority, SacRT has secured $700,000 to study the “Green Line BRT to Sacramento International Airport Project.”

$500,000 from a Caltrans Strategic Partnerships grant
$200,000 from a Measure A Smart Growth grant awarded by the STA Board in June

The feasibility study will evaluate BRT as a near‑term connection from downtown to the airport, providing faster transit options for North and South Natomas residents and supporting continued airport expansion.

Study Timeline

Spring 2027: Initial analysis
Summer 2027: Public outreach
Fall 2027: Adoption of a Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA)
2028: Environmental
2029: Start of design
Target Launch: 2030

Deliverables will include:

Existing conditions analysis
Alignment and lane configuration scenarios
Ridership projections and traffic modeling
Public outreach and stakeholder engagement
Cost‑benefit analysis
Identification of an LPA

Why BRT Now?

SacRT began considering BRT for the airport connection in 2023 as a more affordable, near‑term alternative while the agency continues advancing the long‑term rail vision. A BRT line could be implemented with modest increases in operating funds, whereas a light rail extension requires securing major new revenue sources for construction and operations.

BRT is significantly less expensive than light rail because:

It uses existing roadway infrastructure
Stations are smaller and simpler
Vehicles cost far less
Construction is faster and more flexible

A two‑car light rail train costs about $10 million, compared to approximately $1.5 million for a 60‑foot BRT vehicle.

Potential BRT Features

Specific design elements for the Green Line BRT have not been finalized. The feasibility study will evaluate features such as:

Dedicated or priority lanes

Enhanced stations

Level boarding

Transit-Signal Priority

Frequent Service

Long Term Light Rail Vision Remains

Evaluating or implementing BRT does not replace or preclude the future Green Line light rail extension. SacRT continues to preserve right‑of‑way, plan station areas, and coordinate with partner agencies so that light rail can be constructed when funding becomes available.

For more than three decades, regional planning efforts including the 1991 System Planning Study, 1993 Transit Master Plan, 2001 Multi‑Corridor Study, 2003 Alternatives Analysis, 2007–2008 Program EIR, and 2010 Transitional Analysis have consistently identified the Green Line light rail extension as the preferred long‑term investment.

The proposed BRT option could serve as an interim step toward delivering improved transit sooner, while ensuring the larger rail vision remains in place.