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.
By Linden
Weiswerda, The Trust for Public Land (guest blogger)
Editor’s
Note: Our Twin Cities metro region is well known as a place where cityscape
meets green space. Millions visit our robust regional park system each year.
But did you know that most arrive by car? Some efforts are already underway to
connect more residents and visitors to Twin Cities parks in other ways. For
example, the Sierra Club North Star Chapter regularly leads outings to parks
and natural areas via transit. Nice Ride MN bike sharing will begin serving expand service to Mississippi River Park and Recreation Area this summer. And next year, new bus service on Lexington
Parkway will improve access to Saint Paul’s Como Park–one of our most visited
regional parks. As our region’s population grows and the regional park system
expands, will current transportation options ensure the parks are accessible to
all? Here, guest blogger Linden Weiswerda with The Trust for Public Land makes
the case for continuing to improve transit service to our regional parks.
Minnehaha
Regional Park, Minneapolis
Have you ever ridden a bus or light rail train to your nearest regional
park? Chances are high that your answer is no. According to the last Regional
Parks and Trails Survey (2008), less than 1 percent of people arrive at
Twin Cities regional parks and trails via public transit. While the Minneapolis-Saint
Paul region is filled with a diverse array of popular regional amenities that
can be reached by multiple modes of transportation, our regional parks largely remain
an untapped destination for the regional transit system.
The Twin Cities regional park system—which
includes sites from the Chain of Lakes Park in Minneapolis to Big Marine Park
Reserve in Washington County, and 49 other parks and park reserves—is an invaluable
asset that helps keep our region thriving and acts as “the state parks of the metro
area” (Metropolitan Council). As the largest and most natural public lands in our
metro area, the regional parks provide a unique experience for visitors. In
addition to protecting the most important and sensitive natural areas in the
Twin Cities for current and future generations, they are central to creating
healthy and enjoyable communities. And enjoy them we do, with over 44 million
visits annually to the regional park system. Time after time, surveys cite that
parks are one of the top reasons people find the Twin Cities region attractive
and want to move here.
Crosby
Farm Regional Park, Saint Paul
However, the 2008 Regional Parks Survey also found that almost 60
percent of visitors to the parks arrive by “auto, truck, RV, or van.” Meanwhile,
as
Transportation for America reports, 40 percent of Minnesotans are
without a driver’s license, exceeding the national average of 32 percent. If large
numbers of residents in the region cannot get to the regional parks and trails to
enjoy them except by car, how can this significant segment of our population benefit
from the regional parks? Combine this with decreasing rates of car ownership,
particularly among younger and older demographic groups, and the regional park
system could actually become less accessible over time—unless our region does
more to improve transit service to these destinations.
The current Twin Cities transit system provides limited means for
travelling to regional parks, in part because peak service times are tied to
the typical work commute. Transit services run most frequently during rush
hours on weekdays. However, park use generally peaks for special events, in the
evenings, and mostly on weekends.
Baker
Park Reserve, Three Rivers Park District
Livable communities are active seven days a week and throughout
the day as well. For comparison, think about a movie theater and office
building that share a parking lot. During the week office employees fill the
lot, and in the evenings and on weekends moviegoers take the same spaces. As a
result of this shared use, the parking area needed to meet demand has a reduced
development footprint, smaller amounts of pavement and stormwater runoff, and
generally has created a more efficient community that is utilized more of the
time. Increasing connections among the regional transit and regional parks and
trails systems could similarly benefit both systems, picking up more transit
riders in off-peak times and making regional parks more accessible to more
people at more times.
In building an efficient transit system, one with more housing
options and other development near stops and stations and with higher rider capacity,
we should also be sure that our transit system connects as many regional
attractions as possible, perhaps by both siting new parks near transit lines
and by extending bus service to parks in current off-peak travel times. Our regional
park system is also growing: current plans are to add more than 15,000 park acres
and 700 miles of trails by 2030. By taking advantage of that growth, we can
ensure that people can ride the bus or train, bike, or drive to their choice of
regional parks.
If you’d like to explore a fun tool for seeing which regional
parks (or other regional amenities) you can reach via transit in a certain
amount of time, check out Mapnificent.
Mapnificent is an online tool (still in an early phase of development) that shows
you the area you can reach via public transportation from any point in a given
amount of time. (A sample map for regional park destinations is pictured
below).
Mapnificent generated this map of regional parks
(red) that can be reached by transit from downtown Saint Paul (orange) in 30
minutes or less. (Note: Mapnificent does not work in Internet Explorer, but
will work with other major web browsers.)
For a map to all the regional parks and a list of the activities available,
visit the Regional
Parks page of the Metropolitan Council, which links to the local park
agencies who manage the regional parks and trails as well as their local park
systems.
All featured
images provided courtesy of The Trust for Public Land.
By Jennifer Harmening
Thiede, Communications Associate
Transit for Livable Communities will soon have a new home!
After nearly 14 wonderful years at 626 Selby,
we’re excited to announce our move into a new office space on April 1. We’ve
enjoyed sharing a location with the amazing staff at Neighborhood Energy
Connection and will miss having our friends at Mississippi Market right
downstairs. Nevertheless we are also looking forward to the benefits our new location
and space.
New location
Our new office is located in the Specialty Building at 2356 University
Avenue in Saint Paul. We are on the southeast corner of Raymond Avenue and
University (map).
Our space is on the 4th floor, with the entrance on the southwest corner of the
building. Allen Gleckner from the Environmental Law and Policy Center will be
sharing space with us.
A big factor in making this move is our interest in being
more centrally located within the region and more accessible by transit,
bicycling, and walking. This will make it easier for our members, board, staff,
and partners to get to our space conveniently without a car. If you do drive,
the office is close to I-94 and Highway 280.
As of April 1, our new office
on the Green Line!
New transportation options
Our new location on the Green Line (aka Central Corridor) will
provide many travel options.
By bus: Metro Transit bus routes 16, 50, and 87 all
conveniently serve our new office. The office also is located right on the
Green Line light rail, which has a stop at Raymond Avenue—just adjacent to our
new building. We’re counting down until service begins in 2014!
By bike: You’ll find nearby north/south bike routes
on Raymond and Pelham, and connecting bike routes on Franklin, Marshall/Lake
Street Bridge, and Como Avenue. University Avenue provides a direct east-west
route with signs indicating cyclists may use the full right lane as needed.
Territorial Road or the U of M Transitway can also be good alternatives for
those on two wheels, as can the nearby Emerald/Wabash loop. Nice Ride
Minnesota’s handy green bikes (back for the season on April 6) will be just
three blocks away, at the bike-sharing station at Raymond and Ellis Avenue. Bike
parking is currently available on the southwest corner of the building, with
two more bike racks to come later this spring.
By walking: Learn more about the walkability of our
new neighborhood at walkscore.com.
When Green Line service begins
next year, light rail will provide another great option for reaching TLC’s new
office. Your stop: the nearby Raymond Avenue Station. Photo Credit: Met
Council.
New neighbors
We look forward to joining many partner organizations in our
new neighborhood including ISAIAH, Growth & Justice, and Jewish Community
Action. Our friends at the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits are located just down
the street. And of course the many restaurants, shops, and other small businesses
along the Green Line will be a quick bike, walk, bus, or train ride away.
We’re eager to welcome you at our new office soon! Stay
tuned for more information about an open house celebration in coming months
after we’re all settled in.
A bonus at future TLC member
meetings: a great view of the Green Line, with buses driving past in 2013 and
new trains running in 2014.
Our address as of April 1, 2013: Transit for Livable Communities, 2356
University Avenue, Suite 403, Saint Paul, MN 55114.
Note that our phone numbers will not change.Our new fax number will be 651-789-1001.
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.
By Whitney Lawrence, Member Engagement/Senior
Organizer
“The
most significant opportunity to reduce carbon emissions . . . is transportation—which
in turn depends on community design.” —Peter Calthorpe
Last week, TLC members and allies gathered in
Minneapolis to take a closer look at the connection between transportation and
climate change. Over 50 people attended the event, which also featured
presentations from Jim Erkel of the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy
and Joshua Houdek of the Sierra Club. Thanks to all who could join us!
The US Environmental Protection Agency affirms that "the more greenhouse gases we emit, the larger future climate changes will be." As discussed at our recent event, current Minnesota law specifies aggressive
goals for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Using 2005 as a baseline,
the goals call for decreases in GHG emissions by the following:
15% by 2015,
30% by 2025, and
80% by 2050.
How do we
get there? We will never meet the emissions standards outlined above if we do not
seriously address our transportation system. Transportation accounts for 24% of Minnesota’s total CO2 output, making
it the second largest contributor to our state’s GHG emissions.
This is consistent with patterns for the U.S.
at large. The EPA
reports that, with a 27% share, transportation is also the second largest
end-use contributor to GHG emissions nationally. Of this pollution, 62% comes from cars &
light trucks (SUVs, pickups, minivans).
Understanding how and why transportation
contributes to our GHG emissions is crucial to addressing the problem. First,
it is important to understand that transportation is a derived demand. Put
simply, people are not driving or riding the bus for fun—they are doing it
because they need to get from point A to point B.
The options we have for getting from point A
to point B have a significant impact on transportation patterns and GHG
emissions. The average Twin Cities commuter puts approximately
2.6 tons of GHG emissions into the atmosphere every year by driving alone
to work. And, an
estimated 78% of workers who drive to work drive alone. In the coming
decades, cleaner fuels and more fuel efficient vehicles will help. However,
reducing the number of vehicle miles traveled is the single most important
thing we can do to lower GHG emissions from transportation in Minnesota.
With this in mind, it is crucial that the
state and region fund the build-out of public transit and well-connected
networks for bicycling and walking so more people have the option to leave the
car at home or live without one. Transit emits a fraction of the pollution of
driving alone, and getting around by bike or on foot produces zero emissions. Unfortunately,
only 25% of metro households and 10% of metro jobs are conveniently served by our
current transit systems. It’s one of many reasons why TLC and the Transit for a
Stronger Economy coalition are spearheading a movement to accelerate the build
out of the regional transit system. (Learn more and get involved at www.transit4mn.org.)
Transportation and land use go hand in hand. Residents
who live in more compact, mixed-use areas use transit at a rate that is 2-5
times greater than the rest of the region, which reduces the number of car trips
they take by up to 50%. And less driving
means less GHG pollution.
The Minneapolis/Saint Paul area is one of
least compact metro regions in the nation. Our land use policies and transportation
investments have traditionally encouraged people to live far from where they
work: the average Twin Cities commuter travels 13 miles and crosses county
lines at least once reach to their job. This means they often have to drive, which
significantly increases CO2 output. As shown on the featured map, people living
near the core of the Twin Cities metro region—where there is higher density and
greater access to transit—have a smaller carbon footprint. Land use policies
that encourage transit-oriented development and communities designed for bicycling
and walking will be key to helping Minnesota achieve greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction
goals.
What else will help Minnesota put the brakes
on climate change? Try leaving the car at home for one extra trip each week and
make that trip by walking, sharing a ride, bicycling, or taking the bus or
train. We encourage you to drive differently and to drive less whenever
possible. More tips and inspiration for doing exactly that:
Sincere thanks to Jim Erkel at Minnesota
Center for Environmental Advocacy for contributing graphics and information for
this article.
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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