Officials conducting the Robert Street Transit Alternatives Study will hold open houses this week to update the public on possible transit improvements in St. Paul and communities in northern Dakota County.

The Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority and the Dakota County Regional Railroad Authority are looking at what infrastructure and investments can be made to meet current and future transportation needs.

It's ultimate goal is to identify a single transitway route and mode (bus, bus rapid transit, light rail or streetcar) that would most likely run along Robert Street and connect with other transit options at Union Depot in downtown St. Paul.

The team is seeking input from residents in St. Paul, Lilydale, West St. Paul, South St. Paul, Sunfish Lake, Mendota Heights, Eagan, Inver Grove Heights and Rosemount.

Along with brief presentations that will highlight the project's progress and routes identified for further study, the public will be able to ask questions and provide feedback.

Meetings will take place from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Dakota County Northern Service Center, Room 110, 1 W. Mendota Road, West St. Paul, with a short presentation at 5 p.m.

On Thursday, an open house will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. at Neighborhood House, Ferber Room, 179 E. Robie St., St. Paul, with a short presentation at 6:30 p.m.

The study is being conducted under the Federal Transit Adminstration's New Starts Program, which evaluates transit projects nationwide for eligibility for federal funding.