> About Us > Chair's Messages December 2005

Hiawatha's success bodes well for transit's future

Council Chair

Peter Bell

As I move around the region, one of the questions I hear most frequently is, "What's next?" People are excited about the success of our Hiawatha light rail transit line, and they want to know when and where additional lines will be built.

Many folks have had a chance to use LRT to travel to work, a sporting event, the Mall of America or the airport, experiencing its comfort and convenience while escaping traffic and parking hassles. In its first year of full operation, 7.8 million people rode the line, exceeding pre-construction estimates by 58.2 percent.

In our long-range transportation plan, the Council envisions a network of rail and bus "transitways" in heavily traveled corridors that will expand transportation options and slow the growth in congestion.

The 2006 Minnesota Legislature will have an opportunity to take another major step toward making our vision a reality. In this session's bonding bill, the Council is seeking:

• An additional $5 million for bus rapid transit on Cedar Avenue from the Mall of America in Bloomington to Lakeville. This would be in addition to the $10 million approved by the Legislature last year.
• $10 million for an 11-mile-long LRT line or busway on University Avenue between downtown St. Paul and downtown Minneapolis, with the mode selection to be determined after the completion of a cost-effectiveness study. This would be in addition to the $5.25 million approved by lawmakers last year.
• $8.3 million for bus rapid transit on Interstate 35W, specifically to build a transit station at 46th Street and park-and-ride facilities at 82nd Street.

“

In its first year of full operation, 7.8 million people rode the line, exceeding pre-construction estimates by 58.2 percent.

”

- Peter Bell

In addition, Gov. Tim Pawlenty is expected to recommend $60 million as the final installment in state funding for the 40-mile Northstar commuter rail line between downtown Minneapolis and Big Lake. Although Northstar extends beyond the boundaries of the seven-county metro area, the $265-million rail line is part of the Council's planned network of transitways.

Last fall, the Council's transit plans received a boost from the federal transportation bill. It included funding for the Northstar line, Cedar Avenue busway and additional planning in several other corridors.

By the year 2030, we expect the population of the metro area to grow to 3.6 million, an increase of nearly 1 million from the 2000 census. To accommodate this growth and maintain our quality of life, it is essential that we capitalize on the success of the Hiawatha line and expand our transit system.

Peter Bell

December 2005