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Message from the Chair - October 2004

Too early to tell on future light-rail lines

I can't tell you how often I'm asked about the Council's posture on future light-rail ventures, given the early success of the Hiawatha line.

Indeed, Hiawatha has far exceeded ridership expectations, even before the line is fully open. We are thrilled with public enthusiasm for the project, staff performance and train operations to date.

The jury, however, is still out. We have only three full months of operations under our collective belt — not enough to evaluate long-term prospects for rail. Furthermore, we, as a region, need to determine our appetite for the cost of rail, which is significant.

Ramsey County is determining the locally preferred alternative for the proposed Central Corridor between Minneapolis and St. Paul. The estimated cost of bus rapid transit (BRT) is $240 million — compared with an estimated $840 million for LRT.

The figures are nothing to sneeze at, especially given current budget considerations and claims being made on the public purse at a time when the Pawlenty Administration continues to hold the line on taxes.

That's not to say we shouldn't have the debate, however. We absolutely should — one based on financial realities, analyses of environmental impacts and ridership potential, legislative and public preferences, as well as our continuing experience with light rail.

I'm proud of Hiawatha's success. Gov. Pawlenty said when he appointed me that regardless of any personal misgivings or concerns about rail transit, the objective, now that it's here, is to make the line as successful as possible.

That's our goal each and every day. Despite the achievement, it's too early to judge the long-term implications or determine whether light rail is the appropriate mode for other transit corridors in development.

I believe it's in the best interest of us all to give the rail operation its due, but continue to diligently monitor its successes and identify any shortcomings so we can make the right choices about transit long into the future.

October 2004