Transportation Choices 2020

It is time for transit advocates to capitalize on the public's growing desire for expanded transit in Minnesota. TLC - in partnership with allied organizations and legislators - have introduced the Transportation Choices 2020 initiative (HF 1735 - SF 1703).

The Transportation Choices 2020 initiative will provide funding to dramatically expand the availability of public transit and facilities for bicycling and walking in Minnesota. This public investment in our shared infrastructure will build community and ensure that everyone in the state has transportation options. Specifically it will:

• Prevent fare increases and service cuts this year,
• Double bus service by 2020,
• Create better transit facilities and new Park & Ride capacity,
• Construct eight dedicated bus and rail transitways by 2020,
• Provide revenue to local governments for transit, bicycle & pedestrian projects,
• Allocate money for initial planning and design of High Speed Rail as part of the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative, and
• Expand transit in Greater Minnesota to all counties and provide more evening and weekend service.

New revenue will be raised by instituting a half-cent regional sales tax in the metropolitan area and allocating a greater percentage of the state’s Motor Vehicle Sales Tax to transit. The bill is estimated to increase funding statewide for transit, bicycling and walking by $365 million annually. See the Initiative Summary and the Questions & Answers for more details about the initiative.

Legislative Supporters

Senator Sharon Marko (D-Cottage Grove) and Rep. Ron Erhardt (R-Edina) are authoring the bill and several rural and urban legislators are supporting it. See the full list of Legislative Supporters.

Transit Partners & Supporting Organizations

Seven community, faith, environmental and advocacy organizations are working in partnership to promote this initiative. More than two dozen other organizations have signed on in support of this bill to date. (See the full list of Transit Partners & Supporting Organizations.)

While other transportation proposals have been introduced at the legislature this session, none of them provide revenue for transit that is adequate, secure enough, or begins this summer when transit is facing a projected $66 million shortfall. In addition, none of the other initiatives include funding for bicycle or pedestrian projects.

While TLC still supports reforming Minnesota’s gas tax so it can be used flexibly for all modes of transportation, it is very unlikely this funding source would be available in the next several years, if ever. Minnesotans have already been waiting too long for expanded transportation choices and members of our community continue to be harmed by fare increases and service cuts.

We need your help to build an affordable, convenient and environmentally sound transportation system!

Please take action and support the initiative by:

1. Meeting with your legislators.
2. Writing a letter to the Governor & your legislators.
3. Calling the Governor & your legislators.
4. Writing a letter supporting the initiative to the editor or commentary to a local newspaper.
5. Talking with your friends and relatives about TLC and the importance of real transportation choices.

TLC staff members are available to assist you and provide any support you may need. Please contact TLC staff member Dan Walsh at 651-767-0298 or danw@tlcminnesota.org if you are interested in getting involved.

Press Conference

To publicize our vision of an affordable and convenient public transit system TLC and other transit allies held a press conference on Wednesday, March 9th. (See the Press Release here - with links to media coverage as it develops.)

More Information:

1. Initiative Summary
2. Legislative Supporters
3. Transit Partners & Supporting Organizations
4. Press Release & Media Coverage
5. Questions & Answers