Are you frustrated that the Twin Cities bus system is shrinking while fares are rising?

Riders now pay 33% to 50% more than they did in 2001 for a smaller transit system and less frequent service on all but the most heavily used routes. Fares in the Twin Cities now cost more than the fares in most other major regions in the US even though our region invests only about two thirds as much in transit as these other regions do.

Are you concerned that Minnesota's transportation system is unprepared for the return of high gas prices like those seen this summer?

In just a few months gas prices nearly doubled due to forces beyond local control, taking a huge bite out of family budgets. This price spike was a harsh reminder of the costs of a transportation system that offers most people few convenient options to driving.

Do you believe that Minnesotans would use high quality transit if it were available?

The Hiawatha light rail line has far surpassed ridership goals, already meeting the ridership levels expected in the year 2020. Trains are often full to capacity during the rush hours and at many other times of the week.

As obvious as the answers to these questions may be, the hard truth is that powerful interests who support the status-quo continue to see transit as an afterthought - aligning to cut service, raise fares, and keep the plans for an expanded transit system on the drawing board.

Since our founding ten year ago, Transit for Livable Communities has become the leading non-profit organization in Minnesota working to build support for the balanced and cost-effective transportation system this region clearly needs.

Now TLC needs you to help us continue this important work.

Please support our shared vision for more transportation choices
by making a tax-deductible gift to TLC of $35, $50 or more!

Your contribution will help fund the education, research, advocacy, and organizing work necessary to reach decision makers, influence public policy, and strengthen the business and community partnerships that are essential to improve transportation and planning policies in the metro area.

In the past year alone, Transit for Livable Communities has made significant progress convincing community and political leadership to move in the right direction. We have:

• Challenged attempts to slash $66 million from transit funding, and worked to fill two thirds of the 2005 budget gap - thus preventing most of the cuts that would have reduced service on 70% of Metro Transit routes and decimated Metro Mobility service;
• Worked with key legislators to introduce the Transportation Choices 2020 Initiative – a bill to fix the 2005 transit budget gap and increase state transit investment, including doubling the bus system and building eight new bus and rail transitways;
• Convinced more key decision makers of transit’s real needs in Minnesota, gaining House and Senate approval of a transportation bill that would have provided over $200 million in additional annual funding for transit;
• Brought together the new Transit Partners Coalition – nine community organizations committed to realizing a vision of an expanded transit system; and
• Mobilized our Transportation Choices Network to have transit supporters pack the room at a dozen hearings and deliver nearly 10,000 e-mails, postcards, faxes and phone calls to legislators and the Governor.

TLC is now preparing for a busy 2006. Our priorities include:

• Championing the Transportation Choices 2020 Initiative as a clear vision for funding a balanced and cost-effective transportation system;
• Educating Minnesotans about the Motor Vehicle Sales Tax referendum in November 2006 that will for the first time constitutionally dedicate funding to transit;
• Supporting bonding requests for bus and rail transitway expansion, including the Northstar Commuter Rail Line and the Central Corridor;
• Developing more community leaders to advocate for the needs of transit users;
• Strengthening the Transit Partners coalition, and building relationships with more business and community organizations to broaden the base of support for an expanded transit system.

Your participation and financial support are critical to reaching our goals. Together we are an organized and powerful voice for transit, walking and biking - and together we will convince decision makers that Minnesotans are ready to invest in transportation choices.

Sincerely,

Lea Schuster
Executive Director

PS – If you believe Minnesota needs more transit, please help fund the work necessary to realize our shared vision by making a gift to TLC of $35, $50 or more!

Donate Here

Thank you!