The Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) is now pursuing a phased approach to a long-standing vision for the region—a Green Line light-rail extension to Sacramento International Airport—that may begin with bus rapid transit (BRT). SacRT says the 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.

The Green Line extension to the Sacramento International Airport has been 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 Sacramento International 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.

"We hear it from everyone. The airport hears it from everyone, 'We want light rail to the airport,'" SacRT spokesperson Jessica Gonzalez said to CBS News.

New funding and upcoming feasibility study

Working in partnership with the city of Sacramento, the county of Sacramento and the Sacramento Transportation Authority (STA), SacRT notes that it 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 is designed to 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.

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 anlocally preferred alternative

Why BRT?

SacRT says it 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. The agency notes that 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.

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

"We're not saying 'never' to light rail. That's our ultimate goal, but we're looking at this study as this could be Phase 1 of making that a reality," Gonzalez further said to CBS News.

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 for bus travel.
• Elevated station experiences.
• Level boarding options for users of mobility aids or for passengers with luggage.
• Transit signal priority to keep buses moving efficiently.
• High frequency service.

Long-term light-rail vision remains

SacRT says that evaluating or implementing BRT does not replace or preclude the future Green Line light-rail extension. The agency notes that it 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 agency says the proposed BRT option could serve as an interim step toward delivering improved transit sooner while ensuring the larger rail vision remains in place.

Green Line Project map

The proposed line would provide service from 7th and R Streets in downtown Sacramento, connecting with Sacramento Valley Station for rail connections while also stopping at or near high-traffic destinations, like the Golden 1 Center, the South Natomas Community Center and Library, multiple grocers and more before terminating at the Sacramento International Airport. The new route would connect with multiple existing transit options and offer an estimated 16 new stations.