TRANSPORTATION CHOICES
JANUARY 2003 NEWSLETTER

ELECTION 2002:
New Administration and New Opportunities
for Transportation Reform

In his first public address after the election, Governor-elect Tim Pawlenty identified cost-effectiveness and efficiency as the criteria he would use to determine the most appropriate investment choices in transportation. During his campaign, he also identified lower taxes, a better business climate, and economic growth as themes for his administration. If the new Governor of Minnesota remains true to these campaign pledges, he should be the most supportive Governor for transportation choices the state has ever had. [more]

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THERE’S NO SUCH THING
AS FREE PARKING
What's wrong with our approach to parking,
and what can be done to fix it
In the Twin Cities region, drivers rarely think about parking. Parking spaces in the Twin Cities are usually abundant, and most spaces appear to be free. Public officials typically focus on ensuring "enough" parking to satisfy demand and ignore the problems of oversupply and subsidization. Most employers fail to question the long-standing practice of providing employees and customers with "free" parking.

But even "free" parking comes at a cost. Someone has to pay for the parking lot at the store, for the garage by our house, and for the parking lot at our workplace. Usually, the cost of parking is reflected in the price we pay for groceries, the amount we pay for housing, and the lowered salaries we get on the job. We pay for parking, even when we don’t use it — even if we walk, bike or take the bus. [more]

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71% IN SW METRO WANT LRT
4 of 5 want transit to help relieve congestion;
County studies its transit options Ten or twenty years from now, what transit options should be available to residents and workers in the southwest metro? That is the question that Hennepin County has been working to answer as officials study the options for transit improvements in the area. In the process of considering options, the County commissioned a scientific survey of area residents to gage their transportation priorities.

The survey found that 71 percent of residents support light rail in their area; 16 percent oppose it; and 7 percent are neutral. [more]

Map courtesy Hennepin County Rail Transit Study

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> Improving transit service: Metro Transit seeks to improve routes in its busiest service area

> Concern builds about MnDOT plan to raise speed limit along Hiawatha

> Car sharing may be coming to a neighborhood near you

> Mean Streets: Report finds most states, including Minnesota, spend little on pedestrian safety

> Light rail is identified as initial preference for Central Corridor between downtowns

> Officials hope that Northwest Busway will help shape new activity along corridor

> More American cities approve taxes for transportation investment

> Concerned leaders unite behind a simple message: Be Active, Minnesota!

> Minneapolis, Joyce Foundations boost TLC’s work

> TLC adds two to staff, two to board