Transportation Choices 2020

Governor's Veto Stalls Transportation Bill Despite Strong Support for Transit

MAY 24, 2007. Despite strong public and legislative support for increased bus service, a metropolitan-wide transit system, and better transit service in Greater Minnesota, Governor Pawlenty's veto of the transportation bill prevented this vision from moving forward. Even though the bill was vetoed, transit received more support this year at the legislature than any previous year. Learn more about the transportation bill and what Transit for Livable Communities will be doing to build even more support in the future.

Learn more about Transportation Choices 2020 and check out the "Envision Transportation Choices" maps!

For a PDF of the Transportation Choices 2020 Fact Sheet, click here.

Minnesota shouldn’t have to wait a quarter century for the transportation results we need now. With at least half a million new residents living in the metro area by 2020, we need to have the courage to invest in a future that takes care of all of our state’s residents.

Goal
In 2007, the Minnesota state legislature will invest in a transportation system that will dramatically expand the availability of transit, bicycling, and walking facilities in Minnesota.
Photo Credit: Metro Transit

The Need
Public transit can make our communities more vibrant and successful, connecting our region and shaping communities that we are proud to call home. Unfortunately, what we want from a transportation system and what state policies deliver is increasingly disconnected. It’s time for our state legislature to have the courage to invest in a transportation system that will help our region prosper—both today and tomorrow.

The Solution
Pass the Transportation Choices 2020 initiative, which uses a half-cent sales tax in the seven county metropolitan area to implement the Metropolitan Council’s transit plan by 2020 rather than 2030, and five percent of Transportation Amendment revenues to substantially expand transit in Greater Minnesota.

Specifically, Transportation Choices 2020 will:

• Construct eight dedicated bus/rail transitways and double bus service by 2020. A transportation system is a region’s circulatory system—and transitways are the arteries. Each transit line, whether it’s the Rush Line or the 21 bus line, creates a healthier transportation system, making it easier for all Minnesotans to reach their destinations.
• Create better transit facilities and new park & ride capacity. Transit stops are natural gathering places, and they should be comfortable, safe, and well-lit places to wait for the bus or train. Park and rides are increasingly popular options for people who want to use transit but don’t live near a transit stop—and many of the suburban park and rides are currently filled to capacity.
• Provide revenue to local governments for transit, bicycle, and pedestrian projects. Local agencies know the needs of their communities; this revenue will give them the flexibility to respond to those needs quickly and efficiently.
• Expand transit in Greater Minnesota. Transit is important to greater Minnesota--many young people and elderly residents living outside the metro can’t use cars to reach their grocery stores, doctor’s appointments, and churches. Also, Minneapolis and St. Paul aren’t the only cities in Minnesota—Duluth, Rochester, St. Cloud, and other cities need transit too.

Image: Rendering of St. Paul's Union Depot with the Central Corridor light rail transit line