Gold Line Bus Rapid Transit Project - Phase 1

Updated: 9/4/2026

Project overview

The Gold Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project will create faster, more reliable bus service and a safer street along H St NE and Benning Rd NE all day, every day. Metro is partnering with the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) to deliver Phase 1, which will connect the RFK Campus and Stadium to Union Station, enabling transfers to Metro’s Red Line, Amtrak, MARC, VRE, and intercity buses.

What is Bus Rapid Transit?

BRT is a type of bus service that is similar to light rail in performance and uses dedicated bus lanes, improved traffic signal timing, high-quality stations, and faster boarding to reduce travel times and improve reliability, making streets safer for all users.

As part of the Gold Line, the D20 and D2X bus routes will be upgraded and supplemented by additional frequent event day service between Union Station, new separated bus lanes, and a Transit Plaza on the RFK Campus, constructed separately as part of the RFK Campus Master Plan. The Gold Line will also continue to serve destinations beyond the BRT corridor, connecting riders to downtown Washington, D.C. and neighborhoods east of the Anacostia River.

To address long-standing east-west mobility challenges, future Gold Line improvements are planned to extend east to the Benning Rd station or Minnesota Av station, and farther west through downtown Washington, D.C. to Rosslyn station in Virginia.

Gold line phase 1 map

Key Gold Line BRT features

The Gold Line will include features used successfully in systems around the world, such as:

  1. Fast, frequent, reliable all-day bus service
  2. Dedicated, center-running bus lanes to help buses move more quickly, away from the busy curb
  3. Transit signal priority that give buses priority at intersections
  4. New accessible stations with level boarding for easier access
  5. All-door boarding, distinctive Gold Line branding, and station amenities to improve the rider experience and speed up boarding
Image showing the five benefits of BRT: Fast, frequent, reliable all-day bus service Dedicated, center-running bus lanes to help buses move more quickly, away from the busy curb Transit signal priority that give buses priority at intersections New accessible stations with level boarding for easier access All-door boarding, distinctive Gold Line branding, and station amenities to improve the rider experience and speed up boarding. Image courtesy of the City of Raleigh, NC, and is intended for BRT educational purposes only, and does not represent a final Gold Line design.

Image courtesy of the City of Raleigh, NC, and is intended for BRT educational purposes only, and does not represent a final Gold Line design.

Gold Line BRT benefits

For Metro Bus customers, pedestrians, and other road users:

  • Faster and more reliable trips using dedicated bus lanes in the center of H St NE and Benning Rd NE for 16,000 current daily D20, D2X trips
  • Improved access to jobs, schools, services, and entertainment
  • Enhanced access to Union Station and regional transportation options
  • Calmer, safer streets for a high-injury corridor.

For businesses:

  • Higher visibility, customer foot traffic, and improved employee access.
  • Center bus lanes and stations preserve curb space for deliveries, pick-ups, drop-offs, and parking.
  • Increased RFK Stadium event visitors to restaurants, shopping, and nightlife.
  • More opportunities for economic investment and growth along the corridor.

For RFK Stadium access:

  • A convenient, high-capacity transit option for stadium events
  • Frequent service connecting Union Station, connecting Metro’s Red Line, Amtrak, MARC, and VRE, to nearby neighborhoods, and the RFK Campus
  • An alternative to Orange, Silver, Blue Metro Rail lines on event days

Project schedule

The Gold Line is currently in the concept planning stage. Key milestones include:

  • Now - 2026: Public engagement on project concepts
  • Early 2027: Select preferred concept
  • Spring 2027: Identify final design and construction funding
  • Summer 2027: Complete environmental review and preliminary design
  • Summer 2028: Begin construction
  • Spring 2030: Complete construction
  • Summer 2030: Service begins, aligned with RFK Stadium opening

Proven success in other cities

BRT has been successfully built and is operating in cities across the Washington, D.C. region and throughout North America. Examples include:

New York, New York

A city bus is stopped at a dedicated busway in a modern urban transit station. The scene shows covered platforms, safety railings, and a bright red bus-only lane under a clear blue sky. Surrounding buildings and trees frame the station, emphasizing its integration into the neighborhood. The image highlights public transportation infrastructure and accessible pedestrian areas.

Boston, Masachusetts

A green city bus labeled ROCKETTS travels along a dedicated red bus lane on Allison Street West. The scene is set in an urban area with mid-rise buildings, trees, and clear blue skies in the background. A modern bus stop structure stands beside the street, featuring a tall vertical sign that reads ALLISON STREET. Cars follow behind the bus, emphasizing active public transportation in the city.

Richmond, Virginia

A city bus travels down a dedicated red bus lane in a busy urban street. The road markings show "ONLY" and "GGT" along the lane, with yellow double lines separating directions of traffic. Pedestrians wait near modern glass bus shelters while cars move along the adjacent lanes. Tall buildings, overhead wires, and street infrastructure create a dense downtown atmosphere under clear daylight.

San Francisco, California

Get involved

Community input will help shape the Gold Line's design. Public engagement opportunities began in August 2026. Stay tuned for information about upcoming meetings, project materials, and opportunities to share your feedback as the project advances.

Additional materials

Impacted Stations

Union Station

Rail lines are available Bus routes available R

Minnesota Av

Rail lines are available Bus routes available S O Parking available

Benning Rd

Rail lines are available Bus routes available B S

Rosslyn

Rail lines are available Bus routes available B S O

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