Taking action: This week at the Capitol, supporters called on
legislators to fund transportation now.
In a surprise move a week ago, freshman senator Melisa
Franzen offered an amendment on the Senate floor to the Omnibus Transportation
Funding bill to provide new funding for roads and transit. That amendment
passed and, soon after, the entire bill was adopted. HF 1444 (previously SF 1173) includes a
phased-in half-cent increase in the metro area sales tax for transit, and a
phased-in increase of 5 cents in the state gas tax. The amended bill also
includes a small percentage for bicycle and pedestrian connections, and increases transit funding for Greater Minnesota, meeting 70
percent of the need. Together, these investments will put Minnesota’s transportation
system on the right path for the future. The question now is whether these
elements make it into law this session.
TLC and the Transit
for a Stronger Economy coalition have advocated all session for a funding
bill that will greatly expand transit, and safe, accessible bicycling and
walking connections. This past Wednesday, the coalition gathered outside the
Governor’s office and marched to Speaker Thissen’s office. The walls of the
Capitol echoed with voices calling, “Transportation Now!”
This week, the Minnesota House and Senate have been
conferencing the bold Senate bill with a “lights on” House Transportation
funding bill that offers no increase in funding, but rather keeps status quo
transportation budgets in place. The
Conference Committee is comprised of the following legislators.
Senate
House
Dibble
Hornstein
Champion
Bernardy
Carlson
Beard
Jensen
Erhardt
Kent
Sundin
There is still hope that end-of-session negotiations will
get the job done on transportation. One possibility is that the half-cent sales
tax will be packaged with $300 million in trunk highway bonds and as yet
unnamed additional funding for roads. Another funding effort is a House bonding
bill, championed by Rep. Alice Hausman, with funding for Southwest light rail
and other key transit projects.
All session,
Governor Dayton has remained committed to his budget proposal, which includes a
half-cent increase in the metro sales tax to significantly expand the metro
area transit system. Let’s thank the Governor (click
here or call 651-201-3400)
and inspire him and legislative leaders to get the job done in the final few
days.
The Transit for a Stronger Economy coalition will remain
engaged in legislative action right up to the final bell—in this case, Monday,
May 20. We encourage other transit,
bicycling, and walking advocates to do the same, and to keep the pressure on
your elected officials through the weekend!
Supporters of comprehensive transportation
funding filled the Capitol Rotunda at a lively rally Wednesday morning.
Comprehensive
transit /transportation funding bills are still alive in the Minnesota Senate
and House. The metro area transit funding package that TLC has advocated includes
substantial new funding for buses, rail and bicycle and walking options. There
have been numerous ups and downs (as is typical for a major bill). A Senate
bill being voted on today, however, gives us renewed hope. See more detail below.
Transit
advocates appreciate Governor Dayton’s leadership. His proposed budget includes a ½ cent increase in the metro area
sales tax for transit. There is consensus by Capitol experts, however, that
this plan will only be passed by the House and Senate if it is combined with
significant new funding for roads and bridges. The logic for this is that
Minnesota legislators have always addressed transportation as a statewide issue.
Greater Minnesota legislators are more likely to vote for a package that addresses
road, bridge, and transit needs in their districts.
Moving
separately in the House is a capital investment bill championed by
Representative Hausman that includes significant bonding for public transit,
Safe Routes to School, local roads, bridges, and trails. The Senate has yet to
take up a bonding bill this session, so the path for adoption is still unclear.
Minneapolis Mayor R. T. Rybak with
supporters at today’s rally for transportation funding.
Transit
advocates are joining with proponents of funding for roads and bridges, working
hard at the Capitol, reaching legislators through phone banks, and hosting a
Rally at the Capitol today.
All these
efforts reflect the strong support for major transportation investments this
session. We believe the Governor and legislative leaders (speaker Thissen in
the House, and Majority Leader Bakk in the Senate) should pass into law a
balanced transportation bill that addresses the statewide need for transit,
roads, bridges, and bicycle and pedestrian connections.
In her remarks at today’s rally, transit
advocate and North Minneapolis resident Kenya McKnight emphasized that all
communities need transit options, safe roads, and bicycling and walking connections.
The bill supported
by TLC and the Transit for a Stronger Economy coalition earlier this session included
increased transit funding as well as substantial new dedicated funding for
bicycle and pedestrian improvements in the metro area. We’re happy to report
that these elements remain in place in both the Senate transportation bill (which
will be heard Wednesday evening in committee) and in a House bill that is
working its way through various committees.
The resounding message at the Capitol
today: transportation is essential for a stronger economy, transportation bills
are jobs bills.
Senate
Transportation Bill includes the following:
Transit/bike/walk
• ½-cent increase in the metro area
sales tax for transit (buses and trains), which will rapidly accelerate the
build out a 21-st century transit system.
• Dedicated funding for bicycle and
pedestrian improvements, and planning studies for streetcars.
• $10 million additional funding per
year for Greater Minnesota transit.
Roads/bridges
• A tax at the distributor level on fuel
(this exists already in more than a dozen other states) combined with a
reduction of the gas tax.
After the rally, TLC and Transit for
a Stronger Economy coalition partners headed to Governor Dayton’s office to
deliver hundreds of postcards and messages supporting increased funding for
transit and safe, accessible bicycling and walking.
The message
is clear: we need a comprehensive transportation bill and the Senate has a good
plan. The Senate bill will be heard in committees over the next week. We are hopeful
that the House will take up a similar bill. Please help us keep the pressure to
pass a strong and balanced bill this session (take action here).
It’s essential for a stronger economy for all Minnesotans.
Transit for Livable Communities is calling on legislators
and the Governor to find a way to get a strong transportation bill passed this
session. This week comprehensive transportation bills are moving through House
and Senate committees. Transportation laws are usually statewide. In the metro,
we have an historic opportunity to build out the regional transit system (bus
and rail, bicycling and safe, accessible walking) in fifteen years, not
whenever. We know this has statewide impact, but also that there are
transportation needs in the metro and greater Minnesota for roads, bridges, and transit.
There are corridors of commerce, safety and congestion issues, and farmers who
need to get to market on bridges in good repair.
So we are saying to the legislature—find a way to get this
done. This session!
This region needs an additional ½-cent for transit in the
metro to get residents to work affordably and on time. This state needs to
address critical infrastructure needs. If we don’t act this session, we send a
signal to everyone that Minnesota is sitting on its hands, ready to watch other
regions get ahead of us, have our children move there to work and raise
families, have corporations decide this state isn’t serious.
Just as with education reform, we’re looking at the toddler
today and saying we need a transit system that reaches across the metro by the
time that child is ready to go to college. It’s about affordability, it’s about
attracting and retaining jobs, it’s about access to jobs (in the core and in
the suburbs), it’s about seniors aging in place. We also know it’s about
creating healthy, livable communities—with less pollution and more active
lifestyles.
Statewide, we need to address key corridors of commerce and
ensure safety of our roads and bridges. We also have a huge unmet need for
transit across the state.
We all depend on our infrastructure every day to get us
where we’re going. The legislature needs to act this session to make sure we
have funding for all our transportation needs. This is not a time to sit back
and wait.
What can you do?
1)
Help us pack the Rotunda for a Transportation
Rally at the Capitol. Wednesday, April 17, 10:00-11:00 am. Stay longer if you
can to meet with your legislator. Info
/ RSVP here.
2)
Visit http://www.transit4mn.org/p/get-involved.html
for links to use to call your legislator. Make sure your elected
representatives know you support increased revenue for transit, roads and
bridges this session.
The Metropolitan Council recently took public comment on an
amendment to add 58 transportation projects totaling $159 million in federal funding to its
project list known as the “TIP.” These projects were selected by the Met
Council’s Transportation Advisory Board (TAB) in 2012. The applications were
first submitted back in 2011.
Here is a sample of four of 58 projects being funded—one
from each of the four categories and the amount of federal funding to be
awarded:
$6 $7 million widening of TH116 in Anoka County
from two lanes to four lanes in the cities of Andover and Ham Lake (Surface
Transportation Program category)
$1 million for an extension of the Point Douglas
Regional Trail in Washington County (Transportation Enhancement category)
$6.4 million for improved bus service on
Snelling Avenue in Saint Paul (Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Category)
$1.6 million for replacement of a Hennepin
County bridge on TH46 over Godfrey Parkway in Minneapolis (Bridge Improvement
and Replacement Category)
Click
here for the full list of projects by category.
As a fairly new member of the Transportation Advisory Board,
let me attempt to decode how this process works.
Every couple of years, the Twin Cities region decides how to
spend a good chunk of federal transportation funds—approximately $160 million
to $180 million. The Twin Cities Transportation
Advisory Board (TAB) is tasked with running a process to make these funding
decisions. TAB, an extension of the Metropolitan Council, is comprised
of 33 members including elected officials.
The federal funding allocated by TAB is a relatively small amount
compared to larger sums of state and federal transportation funding that MnDOT,
and to a lesser extent, the Met Council and regional transit agencies,
allocate. However, the variety of transportation projects that can be funded
with this money is less constrained (i.e. no state constitutional limits
restricting funds for “highway purposes only”), and could have a greater amount
of public input.
The Transportation Advisory Board (with assistance from a
Technical Advisory Committee) creates funding categories and develops detailed
scoring criteria to select what it believes is the best slate of projects proposed
by local units of government and other public agencies. The Regional Solicitation process gives all
cities and counties in the region an opportunity to submit projects for TAB’s consideration.
When approved, the Metropolitan Council will add this new roster
of 58 projects to its running list—the Transportation
Improvement Program (TIP) document. These projects are planned for
implementation over the next few years. The
TIP includes a listing of all road, bridge, transit, and non-motorized
projects in the region funded with federal money.
Advocates should take note that local decision-making about
how to spend much of this federal money has great flexibility, particularly in the
category called the Surface Transportation Program (STP).
Unfortunately, the TIP amendment is the end of a lengthy
project selection process and, as such, is not the best
opportunity to shape outcomes. So where does the greatest opportunity for
public impact lie?
The key shapers of outcomes are: 1) how the regional solicitation
is designed, 2) the TAB policies that put certain projects in certain
categories, and 3) the scoring criteria and selection of projects by the TAB/Met
Council.
Given recent changes in federal law, the Met Council has
recognized the need to re-assess, from the ground up, the categories, selection
process, and scoring criteria for this flexible federal funding. The Council is
also developing a new long-range regional plan (Thrive MSP), which will inform
the Council’s Transportation Policy Plan, which then informs how money, including
this federal funding, gets spent.
Bottom line: As we’ve reported previously, how Twin Cities
residents get around is changing greatly, with less car travel and far more
transit, bicycling, and walking (partly made possible by more compact,
mixed-use development and improving transportation options). The biggest
opportunity for change will come in the future when there is an opportunity to
influence the criteria and policies that drive the type of projects that can be
submitted and how they are scored. Stay tuned for future communications about opportunities
to help shape how our region grows and how it invests federal, state, and local
resources.
The 2013 Minnesota legislative session could be pivotal in delivering more transportation options for
people with disabilities—and all residents of the state. Several voices—including
the Governor, regional Chambers of Commerce, and the Transit for a Stronger
Economy coalition—are saying that more transit is essential to our economic
health. But whether these investments will happen depends on the votes at the
legislature this session.
The Transit for a Stronger Economy coalition supports
legislation (HF 1044 and SF 927) that would greatly expand transit (in the
metro and statewide) as well as funding for bicycling, walking, and compliance
with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). With more than 45 members
statewide, Transit for a Stronger Economy unites unions, developers, people
with disabilities, low-income and underserved communities, and active
transportation, health, and environmental interests.
For people with disabilities, the bill and the new funding
that it would bring, would make a difference in three key ways:
1) Funding
to local cities and counties for ADA facilities.
The bill would provide $50 million per year to metro-area cities and counties
to address local needs, including ADA enhancements, safer sidewalks, bicycle
routes, and other transit investments, such as shuttles. By law, all new
facilities must be ADA compliant. These funds could help cities and counties
retrofit existing facilities or fund system enhancements for which funds are
never available.
“For instance, Metro Mobility could add
text messaging to users that their ride is approaching, just like taxicabs
currently have,” said Ken Rodgers, chair of the Minneapolis Disability
Committee. “Or, cities or counties could upgrade telephone systems for
paratransit so waiting queues aren’t so long.”
People with disabilities in
communities across the country continue to face barriers such as inaccessible
bus stops, intersections without curb ramps, street crossings and pedestrian
signals that are not audible to individuals with visual disabilities, and
barriers such as telephone poles blocking sidewalks. If people with
disabilities cannot even get down their streets, they will be unable to connect
to other forms of transportation.American Association of People with Disabilities
2) Expansion
of local bus service—in the metro and greater Minnesota.
The plan calls for a 4% increase in bus service in the metro, which means more
routes and longer service hours, including weekends and non-peak hours. In
Greater Minnesota, the funding would add 250 bus routes across 64 operating
systems, including adding transit service in un-served counties. Expanded
service means expanded access for persons with disabilities, both on regular
route service and via paratransit.
By law, paratransit service (service for
people with disabilities who are unable to use public transit) is tied to
regular transit service routes and hours. To be eligible for services such as
Metro Mobility, a person with disabilities must live within a certain distance
of regular-route bus service. Expanding coverage for bus service means,
therefore, that more people with disabilities will be eligible for paratransit service.
As noted by the American Association of
Persons with Disabilities (AAPD), “fixed-route public transit is the goal of
the ADA for those who are able to use it. Paratransit was envisioned only for
those people with disabilities who are unable to use mass transit systems, not
for those who merely choose paratransit.” Making regular route transit service
work for more people can mean adding curb cuts to make streets more accessible
and making fixed-route service more ADA compliant, says AAPD, adding that “sometimes
the biggest impediment to greater use of mass transit by an individual with a
disability is fear or inexperience.” This is also true for many people without disabilities who have not
tried riding the bus!
3) Higher-amenity
service makes boarding easier for people with disabilities. In the metro, the funding plan would add
high-amenity rapid bus service (also
called enhanced bus) on 12 routes. Rapid buses mimic light rail trains and have
lower boarding doors, making it easier for people using wheelchairs to board.
The region would also see three more
light rail lines (including Southwest, Bottineau, and an east-metro line) and
Bus Rapid Transit on four more highway corridors.
Keeping people with disabilities at home keeps them out of jobs,
away from shopping, and out of community life, and it prevents them from making
valuable contributions to our society as individuals, as workers, as consumers,
and as taxpayers.American Association of People with Disabilities
To learn more about the Transit for a Stronger Economy
campaign and legislation to fund transit, walking, bicycling, and ADA
compliance, visit www.transit4mn.org.
Show your support at the hearing
on March 20, 6-7:30pm, at the State Office Building, Room 10.
Statewide Poll and Transit for a
Stronger Economy Coalition
Support Investments in Transit, Bicycling, Walking, and ADA Compliance
St. Paul, Minn. (Feb. 28, 2013)—A bill introduced today calls for increased funding
for transit in the metro and greater Minnesota. The bill (HF 1044 and SF 927),
authored by Senator Bobby Joe Champion and Representative Melissa Hortman,
calls for an additional $300 million per year in the metro and $32 million in
Greater Minnesota to meet demand for transit and for safe, accessible
connections for people walking, bicycling, or using wheelchairs.
Co-authors of the bill in the Senate include Senators Scott Dibble (DFL, 61), Chuck Wiger (DFL, 43), John Pederson (R, 14) , and Chris A. Eaton (DFL, 40). Co-authors in the House include Representatives Frank Hornstein (DFL, 61A), Zachary Dorholt (DFL, 14B), Sandra Masin (DFL 51A), Leon Lillie (DFL, 43B), Raymond Dehn (DFL, 59B), Paul Rosenthal (DFL, 49B), Jason Metsa (DFL, 06B), Ron Erhardt (DFL, 49A).
“We need a transit
system that allows all our region’s residents to thrive,” said Senator Bobby Joe Champion, chief
author of the bill in the Senate. “This bill would dramatically increase access
to jobs for low income people and make it more affordable to get to work.
Transportation is the second largest household expense. It costs more than
health care or education. Existing transit riders need better transit options
and our region needs this to compete.”
Representative Melissa Hortman, chief author of the bill in the House, said, "Across
the state, people want more options and support investment in public
transportation. And they want bicycling and walking to be part of that
investment. This bill is an opportunity to solve problems for Minnesotans,
creating a more competitive, healthier state. "
Poll: statewide support for investments in transit,
bicycling, and walking.
A statewide poll
conducted in January by the bipartisan team of Fairbanks, Maslin, Maullin, Metz
& Associates (D) and Public Opinion Strategies (R) shows public
transportation is broadly supported and that a majority favor including bicycle
and pedestrian projects in transportation funding proposals.
More than 90%
surveyed agree that public transportation is a good investment for the state.
Over two-thirds
(67 69%) of those surveyed favor including bicycle and pedestrian funding in
transportation proposals.
A majority
support paying more in taxes to expand and improve public transportation.
The top reasons
for supporting transit focus on creating jobs, reducing traffic congestion, and making
sure transit options are available to all.
Transit for a Stronger Economy Coalition
Transit for a Stronger
Economy includes more than 40 organizations from across the state and unites
unions, developers, people with disabilities, low-income and underserved
communities, and active transportation, health, and environmental interests to
promote funding for transit expansion this legislative session. The coalition’s
vision for the Twin Cities metro region includes expanding transit, including
bus and rail, and funding bicycle and walking projects, and Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance. The coalition also calls for meeting transit
demand in Greater Minnesota.
“This coalition
recognizes the great need to provide safe, accessible connections to transit.
Transit, bicycling, and walking add much-needed activity to the daily commute,
making our communities healthier,” said Rachel
Callanan of the American Heart Association.
"We must make
smart investments in transit to create good jobs and address climate
change," said David Foster,
Executive Director of the BlueGreen Alliance. "We're proud to support
this effort to sustain and improve transit options in our state."
Developer Colleen Carey of The Cornerstone Group has worked on new projects all over the metro area.
“Transit is a win for all of us,” she said. “It is good for the environment,
good for our health, creates new jobs, improves the long-term economic
competitiveness of our region AND supports the needs of our lower income
households at the same time. We can't
afford NOT to invest in transit. The
Cornerstone Group strongly supports the vision of the Transit for a Stronger
Economy coalition.”
There will be hearings
on the bill in House and Senate in March. For more about the Transit for a
Stronger Economy coalition,, including a list of members, visit
www.transit4mn.org.
By Jennifer Harmening Thiede, Transit for
Livable Communities
Ridership on the Twin Cities
transit system has grown to record levels, and our buses and trains operate
very efficiently. Continuing a decade-long upward trend, passengers boarded
transit nearly 94 million times last year in the metro. And as the Metropolitan Council reports, “local bus service continues to be the
workhorse of the region’s transit system.” But too many Twin Cities residents
still lack convenient access to transit. And many current transit riders need
more frequent, faster service and additional routes. Projected demographic
changes will only intensify future demand for transportation options.
Transit use and demand also are
growing in Greater Minnesota, where fewer families have access to transit, and
two counties have no transit service at all. In many cities in Greater Minnesota, evening and weekend service is
extremely limited if it exists at all.
There are well-developed plans
for expanding transit options, but in the region and statewide, these plans
lack funding. The map below is based on the Metropolitan Council’s long-range
plans for transit in the Twin Cities region. Note that the only lines that have
secure funding are shaded in blue.
Map Updated 02-20-13
TLC and the broad-based campaign
Transit for a Stronger Economy support meeting this demand and better serving
Minnesota’s working families, students, and seniors by building out the
regional transit system in the next 15 years, not 40, and expanding transit in
Greater Minnesota. Expanded light rail, bus rapid transit and regular bus
service, along with improved access for pedestrians and people using
wheelchairs and bicycles, will create 30,000 full-time jobs, help keep our air clean, and make daily commute
for millions of Minnesotans faster, cheaper, and more fair.
Where we stand today:
No funding
to expand and upgrade the bus system.
Recurring
fights to maintain the bus service we have
Uncertainty
about Southwest light rail and no funding for additional light rail in other
areas of the metro
Hugely
inadequate funding for safe walking or bicycling connections
Increasing costs
as transit projects are delayed
Building a better system:
The Minnesota legislature can and
should solve these problems and ensure a stronger Minnesota economy by
providing funding to build out and operate a transit system including, bus,
rail and safe connections by walking and bicycling and for people with disabilities.
The Governor’s recent budget proposal sent a clear signal that transit is essential
to building a stronger economy. His plan is a tremendous start, but does not
quite meet what we need for Minnesota to thrive. See our full response to the
Governor’s budget here.
How to show your support:
It is a pivotal year. If you
support more options for transit, bicycling, and walking in the Twin Cities
metro region and expanding transit service in Greater Minnesota, please get
involved!
Contact your
legislators in person, by phone, online—tell
them you’re willing to pay more taxes to fund the vision for transit,
bicycling, and walking
Join us for
upcoming phone banking events and days of action at the Capitol; contact
Whitney Lawrence for more information: whitneyl@tlcminnesota.org or 651-789-1406
Learn more
about the Transit for a Stronger Economy campaign and pass it on: www.transit4mn.org
Join the
conversation and spread the word on Twitter with #transit4mn
See our
calendar at www.tlcminnesota.org for upcoming town hall meetings in your
district
Update:
The Governor’s State of the State address last night focused on providing
leadership to solve problems for Minnesota and end the chronic deficits we have
faced over the last several years. Transit for Livable Communities, a member of
the Invest in Minnesota coalition, believes that increased revenue must be part
of the solution to provide for a future that works for the residents of this state.
The Governor last night spoke of delivering jobs and support for business to
provide those jobs. More transit does this. He spoke about delivering efficient
services, maintaining a healthy environment, and efforts to keep seniors in
their homes and to make college more affordable. More transit helps do this.
Minnesotans by a vast majority support increased investment in transit—as a way
to reduce traffic, create jobs, and help make budgets balance for working
families, students, and seniors.
The Governor’s plan would broaden the sales tax and specifically fund transit
expansion through an increase in the sales tax. While it does not go the whole
distance, the Governor’s budget would put in place a stable base of funding for
metro area transit —bus and rail.
In the case of transit, there are clear indications that investing more will
have a high return on investment for the state.
As noted in our response to the Governor’s budget (see below), our coalition plan would do more.
The Governor has funded his vision. To those who criticize elements of his
plan, remember that to embrace the vision for better transit in Minnesota
without embracing the funding needed is false, empty leadership. Doing nothing
also is not an option. It is time to act. We need transit for a stronger economy.
Original Response to Governor Dayton's Budget Proposal:
Governor Dayton’s budget proposal today sends a clear signal
that transit is essential to building a stronger economy. It includes a mix of
cuts and new revenue, including for transit. The overall plan takes two major
steps forward.
Firstly, the Governor’s budget recognizes that building out
the regional transit system—bus and rail—will create jobs, attract top
employers, and make it more affordable to get to work and school. The build out
of the regional system will create 30,000 jobs, according to the Itasca Project
report (pdf). The experience of the Central Corridor shows that subcontractors and
workers come from all over the state.
Secondly, the Governor’s attention to the overall budget
structure hopefully will mean that we can count on steady and expanding transit
service, rather than funding battles that have resulted in whittling away of bus
service. A stable funding platform eliminates uncertainty for everyone—for businesses
and for individual families planning their budgets.
The Governor’s budget includes broadening the base of the
sales tax and adding a new ¼ cent sales tax in the metro. These funds would:
expand bus service by 1% each year—the first
increase to basic bus service in a decade, and
fund the Southwest LRT, Bottineau LRT, Gateway
LRT or BRT, I-35W South BRT, up to 12 Rapid Bus or streetcar corridors, and up
to 5 additional highway BRT lines.
This is a huge step forward in recognizing that we must
increase access to transit for Minnesota families, seniors, and students. We
know that transportation is the second largest household expense (after
housing) and more people are turning to transit as gas prices remain high. We
also know that more people are bicycling and walking for transportation.
We do have some concerns in these areas. As we dig deeper
into the governor’s budget and continue working at the legislature, TLC and the
Transit for a Stronger Economy coalition will be looking to make sure:
that greater Minnesota transit service is not
left behind. Transit use is growing in Greater Minnesota and makes a huge
difference to seniors, people with disabilities, and to residents in cities
like Duluth, Saint Cloud, and Rochester, and
that cities and counties have funds for
providing sidewalks, safer crossings, bike routes, and access for people with
disabilities.
The Governor’s budget sends a very strong signal about the
importance of transit. It’s a great floor for the session ahead, but it’s not
quite the whole structure we need for Minnesota to thrive.
A campaign is brewing in the community, with bold plans to
move legislators to action at the Capitol this session. Over the last year, Transit
for Livable Communities and our partners have been sitting at the table with
leaders from many different backgrounds, asking how transportation works for
them. We’re hearing a consistent message—that our current transportation system
limits opportunity. People are stuck in traffic or stuck at home. They have few
options for getting to work and school—or for saving money on gas, parking, and
vehicle costs. And, our economy, while improving, still needs to generate more
jobs and bring new businesses to the region.
As we’ve met with business leaders, social service
organizations, developers, people with disabilities, unions, and environmental
groups, we have heard many voices speak about the challenges they face and the
opportunities to make things better.
“Access to convenient transit plays a significant role in making ends
meet.” John J. Errigo, Director of Housing Development, Aeon
At the Courage Center in Golden Valley, for instance, more
than 20% of appointments are cancelled, many because of transportation issues. The president of North Hennepin Community College says his students “are a dead
car battery away from dropping out of school.” The CEO of Episcopal Homes of
Minnesota says “access to transportation is one of the most significant
deciding factors” for seniors “considering places to live.” Corporate site-selectors say that transit and the easy movement of goods
through the region are a bigger factor than taxes in deciding where to locate.
Companies that are here don’t want to pay for more parking. Many are concerned
about transportation’s role in personal health, air pollution, and climate
change.
The people we’re meeting also see opportunities to make it
easier to get around. The possibility of a new light rail line has kindled the
entrepreneurial spirit at the New American Academy in Eden Prairie. Commuters from Hopkins and Lakeville are excited that new LRT or BRT service
will mean they can stay downtown and still get home safely after dinner or a
ball game, theater or time out with friends. Developers are finding traction in
promoting walkable neighborhoods and new projects that are bicycle friendly or
close to transit lines.
“This proposed transit
project is backed by multiple chambers of commerce. . . . They all see the
potentially transformative power of this investment and are very mindful about
what it takes to attract new talent.” Louis Smith, Southwest Corridor
Investment Partnership
In short, there are many voices saying our region needs more
transit, bicycling, and walking to build a stronger economy—as a region and for
individuals of every background and income level. Statistics and reports back
these voices up: transit use is rising
in the metro and statewide, as are the number of people taking their bicycle or
walking to get to some of the places they need to go.
“There is a great
opportunity within multi-racial and multi-cultural groups as we work together
to make sure that transportation in and around the Twin Cities becomes more
equitable and reliable.” Hashi Shafi, Somali Action Alliance
More than 25 organizations have signed on to Transit for a
Stronger Economy (see list below). What does the campaign call for? Basically,
we want to move faster on transit so the region can compete—so everyone has a
stronger economy. We want a 21-st century transit system in 15 years, not 30 or
more, with additional LRT and BRT, but also expanded bus service and the
ability for local cities and counties to put in bike routes, trails, and
sidewalks, comply with ADA requirements, and make other transit-related
improvements. We want transit systems in Greater Minnesota to be able to meet
demand.
Why now?
Other regions are moving much faster than we are. Business
leaders say the return on investment in building out the transit system is
high—and gets better if we move faster.
Currently only 25% of metro area residents live near convenient transit service
and many residents of Greater Minnesota have only the most minimal service. Other
cities, such as Denver, Seattle, Dallas, and Salt Lake City, invest more and
provide more transit than we do. Los Angeles, once known for highways and smog,
is now a leader in planning for a region where people get around by transit,
bicycle, walking and driving. It’s time for the Twin Cities to step it up.
What happens if we DON’T act?
If we don’t act, our funding for transit improvements will
dry up. Instead of building a system that is working in 15 years, when today’s
three-year-olds are going to college, we’ll be looking at a system in 30 or 40
years. Specifically,
Progress on building a regional system will
stop. Full funding for the Southwest LRT is not certain and there are not funds
to carry out plans for Bottineau, Gateway, or any additional transitways. Minnesota
would fall farther behind competing regions in attracting and keeping jobs.
No funds to upgrade bus service, neither “rapid
bus” service on high-volume routes nor expanded bus coverage and service hours.
The bus system we have is highly efficient, it is just too small. Many routes
do not run on weekends and have limited service after peak hours.
Very limited funds to meet local needs for safer
sidewalks, bicycle routes, ADA compliance, and local transit investments.
Statewide, without additional funding there will
be no growth in transit service for the next 20 years. There are still a few
counties with no service and many counties with very limited service.
Transit for Livable Communities and the growing Transit
Partners Coalition it facilitates is ramping up for the biggest effort ever to
secure additional funding for transit and those key connections for people on
foot, bicycle, and using a wheelchair.
We will be asking the legislature to provide for the
build-out and operation of a regional system of bus and rail and to allow
cities and counties to ensure safe connections for people walking, bicycling,
or using a wheelchair.
Transit is a key to a legislative agenda that will be
focused on job creation, economic competitiveness, and tax reform. Join us—contact Whitney Lawrence (whitneyl[a]tlcminnesota.org) to find out how you can be involved.
The following have
signed-on to
Transit for a
Stronger Economy
African Career, Education &
Resource, Inc.
AFL-CIO
Alliance for Metropolitan Stability
Alliance for Sustainability
American Heart Association
Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1005
Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota
Conservation Minnesota
The Cornerstone Group
Envision Minnesota
Episcopal Homes of Minnesota
Fresh Energy
Hope Community
ISAIAH
Local Initiatives Support Corporation
Twin Cities
Minnesota Center for Environmental
Advocacy
Minnesota Environmental Partnership
Minnesota Public Interest Research Group
(MPIRG)
Minnesota Public Transit Association
Minnesota Young Professionals
Environmental Group
National Multiple Sclerosis Society,
Upper Midwest
By Whitney Lawrence, Member
Engagement/Senior Organizer
On December 13th, TLC
members and allies gathered at our office in Saint Paul to catch up over
dinner, take action by writing letters to Governor Dayton, and get a sneak peek
at our legislative agenda for 2013. There were many familiar faces at the year-end
event. We were especially excited to see Senator Jim Carlson from District 38
and Representative Ron Erhardt from District 49A at the meeting. There were
also new faces, including Wynfred Russell, the executive director of African
Career Education Resources (ACER). Wynfred is a leader in his community of
Brooklyn Park and TLC is very lucky to have him and his organization on board
this year. In total, there were about 40 TLC members in attendance. Thanks for
all your valuable input and thoughtful questions, and thank you to everyone who
was able to make it on a snowy evening! It was nice to finally meet many of
you!
TLC members and allies gathered to learn about
our legislative strategy and write letters to Governor Dayton.
TLC’s Legislative Agenda in 2013
At TLC, we are very excited for the 2013 legislative session because this year
brings the opportunity to make real, lasting improvements to transportation in
Minnesota. We believe that Minnesota families deserve more transit now – and
safe connections by walking, bicycling, and for people using a wheelchair.
Transit projects create good jobs, provide access to jobs, and make our region
a more affordable place to live and work. Currently, only 25% of metro
households and 10% of metro jobs are conveniently served by transit. Some
counties in Greater Minnesota still have no transit service. And, by 2040,
we’ll have 900,000 more people in the region. The time for increased investment
in transit, bicycling, and walking options is now!
As it stands today, the state and
metro region have no money to expand the bus system, the Southwest light rail
line is not fully funded, there is no money for planned additional transit lines,
and no money has been designated for safe walking or bicycling connections. The
limited funding for transit and affordable fares are at risk every budget
cycle.
In 2013, TLC and the Transit Partners
coalition will be advocating for an additional $300 million in funding per year
for increased transit investments. This
additional funding will allow Minnesota to build out our regional transit system
in 15 years instead of 30, 40, or 50, including:
An expanded system of light rail transit (LRT) and bus
rapid transit (BRT)
NEW rapid
bus service and expanded regular route bus with faster, more frequent, and longer
hours of service
Improvements
to shelters, lighting, and technology to make using transit safe and easier
Fares that remain affordable, and
A local
share for local needs, including bicycling and walking connections, ADA
compliance, and streetcar corridors.
However, TLC cannot do it alone—we
need the support of our members, allied organizations, and champions at the
state capitol to win in 2013.
How You Can Help TLC and Transit Partners Win
in 2013
Members who attended the event on December 13th wrote over three dozen
letters to Governor Dayton encouraging him to increase Minnesota’s investment
in transit. Thank you to everyone who participated for taking the time to
hand-write these letters—they truly make a difference when we are fighting for
funding at the state Capitol! If you weren’t able to come to our year-end member
event, please take a moment to send Governor Dayton an e-mail here.
Three easy ways to help TLC grow options for
light rail, bus, bicycling, and walking throughout the coming year:
Talk to your
elected officials: elected officials on the state, county and city level need
to hear from you!
Tell your
friends and family: host a house party, or invite your friends to the next TLC
event.
Write a
note: send a letter to the editor or speak out on social media.
If you are interested in being an
active advocate for TLC this upcoming session please reach out and contact me
at whitneyl@tlcminnesota.org or 651-789-1406.
We hope to see you soon at our
next happy hour member event—Transit on Tap—at Republic in Minneapolis (Seven Corners location) on Tuesday, January 29th. Come together from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. to
enjoy light appetizers and to talk bike, walk, bus, and rail with other TLC
members and featured guests. Space will be limited! For details and to RSVP,
visit TLC’s calendar of events.
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