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In this Issue
Welcome to Spring!
In my last newsletter, I mentioned the Metro Mobility Task
Force. This issue, let’s discuss the findings. Metro Mobility is a critical
service to many in our region. It provides transit services to people who
cannot access regular-route transit due to a disability or health condition.
Overall program costs, barring any directives to reduce service in the
state-mandated service area, are expected to grow in the future because of
ridership growth. Due to the
increasing demands and costs, the Legislature requested a review of the service
leading to the creation of the Metro Mobility Task Force.
The Metro Mobility Task Force comprised a wide-ranging group of
members, including commissioners or representatives from each of the counties
in the metropolitan area, disability advocates and transportation service
providers. Over the past six months, this group worked diligently to fulfill
the charges of the Legislature to examine the Metro Mobility service.
The Legislature directed the task force to:
- Describe the current Metro
Mobility program
- Summarize the work of the task
force and its findings
- Identify options for reducing
program costs and improving efficiency
- Identify at least three
potential service level approaches that involve partnering with and
incorporating transportation network companies, taxi service providers, or
both
- Provide any recommendations for
program and legislative changes
The task force came to the table with a focus on the customer and their
experience . With this core goal
in mind, the task force focused on ways to improve service for existing and
future customers. This meant the task force considered opportunities for
efficiency and future cost reduction, without reducing availability or service
quality. The group developed proposed policy and legislative changes and a
potential service model that could provide more flexibility and options for
riders. Ultimately, the group approved the report to the legislature
unanimously. Learn
more in the complete Metro Mobility Task Force Report.
I was honored to serve alongside Washington County Commissioner
Karla Bigham as the Task Force co-chair. I believe all members gained a much
deeper understanding of the service and the challenges it faces into the
future.
As always, if you want to discuss, feel free to get in
touch.
Thanks,
Deb
Following recommendations from a task force of city and business representatives, the Council approved simplifications to how the Sewer Availability Charge (SAC) is calculated. The changes make the SAC determination process for new or expanding businesses simpler and faster. The improved system will benefit a wide variety of businesses, such as a restaurant that wants to expand outdoor seating to patios and sidewalks on a seasonal basis.
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Visitors to the Metro Mobility website will notice big changes as the Council updates the site. In response to feedback from users, the site has been reorganized, simplified, and is more compatible with mobile devices.
Visit the new site.
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Gov. Mark Dayton has advanced three Metropolitan Council initiatives in his 2018 bonding bill. The major line items include:
- $50 million for regional bus rapid transit projects (like the A Line)
- $50 million for the Heywood II Bus Garage
- $5 million for a Council partnership with Metro Cities to reduce municipal infiltration and inflow (I&I), which is clean water getting into the wastewater treatment system
The funds are part of Dayton’s overall $1.5 billion bonding proposal. Most of the proposal is focused on restoring aging buildings in Minnesota’s public higher education system, upgrading sewer and water infrastructure, improving and repairing state buildings, and investing in road, bridge, and transit infrastructure and affordable housing.
Learn more about what the funding will accomplish. |
