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.

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:

• Double bus service by 2020,
• Create better transit facilities and new Park & Ride capacity,
• Construct eight dedicated bus and rail transitways by 2020, and
• Provide revenue to local governments for transit, bicycle & pedestrian projects,

New revenue will be raised by instituting a four-tenths of a cent regional sales tax in the metropolitan area. The bill is estimated to increase funding for transit beyond passage of the Transporation Amendment by $233 million annually. See the Initiative Summary and the Questions & Answers for more details about the initiative.

Legislative Supporters

In 2006, Senator Scott Dibble (D-Minneapolis) and Rep. Ron Erhardt (R-Edina) authored the bill and several rural and urban legislators supported it. See the full list of 2006 Legislative Supporters.

We are currently lining up support for the 2007 bill.

Transit Partners & Supporting Organizations

Nine community, faith, environmental and advocacy organizations are working in partnership to promote this initiative. 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 will be introduced at the legislature this session, none of them are likely to provide revenue for transit that is adequate or secure enough.

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 Dave Van Hattum at 651-767-0298 or davevh@tlcminnesota.org if you are interested in getting involved.

More Information:

1. Initiative Summary
2. Legislative Supporters
3. Transit Partners & Supporting Organizations
4. Questions & Answers