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https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MNORGMETC/bulletins/2cbb7ab
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From Sam O’Connell, Blue Line Extension Project Lead
It is a busy and exciting time for the Blue Line Extension project, which will connect with the Blue Line at Target Field Station and travel northwest to serve the communities of Minneapolis, Robbinsdale, Crystal and Brooklyn Park.
Initially, the light rail alignment was to be co-located for 8 miles with freight railway. But last August, project leaders transitioned the project to a new pathway after negotiations with the railroad fell through. We are now identifying alternate route options that can be community supported while preserving as much of the original alignment as possible.
Earlier this year, project staff spoke with community members, held virtual town halls, and re-established advisory committees to better understand the community’s desires and challenges. A community survey was launched with our project partners at Hennepin County and the response was overwhelming. While there were some concerns about the project, the community is engaged, excited and eager to move the project forward.
In early March, we shared potential revised route options that serve as a starting point to move the conversation with the community forward. It is important to remember that these routes very well may change after gathering additional feedback. In addition to releasing the revised routes, the project’s website was updated with an interactive map of the entire alignment, allowing people to view and comment on the route options.
With the release of the revised route options, the project entered a new and more intense phase of community engagement. Already, several well-attended virtual town halls have taken place. To ensure we are centered in equity and inclusion, 14 organizations will help elevate community voices throughout the decision-making process.
While it has already been a busy year, it is only going to get busier. We are beginning to evaluate potential station locations and to provide more context about how light rail can serve communities. Project staff hope to have a community-supported route identified by the end of the year. This is going to require a massive effort.
This is truly a community-driven project. One of the project’s guiding principles is that we move at the speed of trust. We will not move forward until we have meaningful community buy-in. Our engagement efforts must be robust, inclusive and flexible to ensure we have an alignment that provides maximum benefit for the community.
Light rail transit projects are transformative, and I’m happy to lead a talented team working on this regional project. The Blue Line Extension will create exciting opportunities to advance community visions for investment and economic development that help residents and businesses build wealth in place and improve quality of life.
We will have more news to share in the coming weeks, but in the meantime I encourage you to learn more by visiting the project’s website at bluelineext.org. And if you have any questions or ideas, please let us know.
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The first of six Metro Transit buses that will serve as mobile vaccine units will soon hit the road.
Eventually, the specially equipped buses will be sent across the state to help providers serve people who may have difficulties accessing vaccines, including those who are undocumented, unsheltered or homebound. Up to two people can be vaccinated at a time inside the bus.
“When we were approached about this idea, Metro Transit was ready to roll up our sleeves and do our part to help bring this pandemic to a close,” said Matt Dake, director of Bus Maintenance. “Through the ingenuity of our maintenance team, working in partnership with health experts, we’re proud to say that we’re about to deliver a mobile solution that will help lower barriers to vaccine access statewide.”
To prepare the bus, staff removed seats, added plexiglass dividers, created equipment storage and made changes that allow it to be plugged into an external power supply.
The retrofits were made by electricians from Engineering & Facilities and technicians from the Radioshop, Unit Overhaul and Body Shop. Experience with the first bus will inform future work on another five buses. Two retired Metro Mobility buses will also be retrofitted as vaccine units.
Once deployed, Metro Transit operators will be assigned to operate the buses. Blue Cross Blue Shield will staff the units with clinicians, translators and receptionists. The Minnesota Department of Health has been involved with the project from the start and will determine where they are most needed.
Employees who have not yet done so are encouraged to schedule their vaccination appointment as soon as possible. If you are a front-line employee and have not yet been contacted about making an appointment, please speak with a manager or supervisor.
All residents who are at least 16 years old are now eligible to receive a vaccine. To receive updates, sign up for the state’s Vaccine Connector at vaccineconnector.mn.gov.
If you have received a vaccine or do not plan to do so, please email vaccines@metrotransit.org. This information will only be used to determine whether an on-site vaccination clinic may be needed.
Free rides offered to new vaccination site at fairgrounds
Individuals who are traveling to and from appointments at a new COVID-19 vaccination site being established at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds will be allowed to ride free with a downloadable pass and an appointment confirmation. The passes and confirmation can be shown on a mobile device or printed.
Vaccinations will be given in the parking lot immediately south of the fairgrounds (where the Bus Roadeo is held) beginning Wednesday, April 14; a temporary bus stop for those who take transit will be located nearby on Como Avenue. The site will be open every day for up to 8 weeks and is expected to draw up to 3,000 people a day. The site is primarily intended to serve Hennepin County and Ramsey County residents who may have difficulty accessing vaccines through a health care provider.
Reminder: Masks, testing are as important as ever
The first reported case of COVID-19 among Metro Transit staff was reported a year ago today (April 9). Since then, nearly 400 cases have been reported among staff. Like the wider community, there has been a recent rise in cases.
This uptick is a reminder to wear face coverings and to regularly seek testing if you are experiencing symptoms or believe you’ve been exposed. Individuals who have recently traveled or who have children in school are encouraged to get tested regularly, even if they are not showing symptoms.
Testing and other precautions remain important even if you’ve been fully vaccinated.
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After 31 years of service, Ruter Operator Margaret Stephens completed her final trip on Wednesday, March 31. Stephens was surprised by Assistant Transportation Manager Robert Brevig and Maple Grove Transit Administrator Mike Opatz, who rode with her on her final journey. Stephens will be included in Metro Transit’s Hall of Fame, which recognizes employees who retire with more than 30 years of service.
ICYMI: 65 years later, Operator Margaret Stephens reflects on Rosa Parks' arrest
Congratulations to these employees who retired in March
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Bryson Powers, Operator-South, 29 years
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Thomas Crooks, Dispatcher-Heywood, 27 years
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Gayle Gilman, Operator-Nicollet, 27 years
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John Vang, Operator-Nicollet, 20 years
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John Torgeson, Operator-Nicollet, 14 years
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Sergio Vallejo, Operator-Ruter, 14 years
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Douglas Hannem, Mechanic Technician-Overhaul, 12 years
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Bruce Von Drashek, Electronic Overhaul Technician, 11 years
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Loren Heine, Electronic Repair Tech, 11 years
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David Walker, Mechanic Technician-Nicollet, 8 years
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Victor Payne, Mechanic Technician-South, 5 years
Remember: Retirement notices cannot be sent to Transit-All, but may be sent within divisions and departments. To share information about retirements, promotions or new hires, please email insights@metrotransit.org.
Nicollet Operator Steven Bringe recently received a commendation for recognizing a customer’s struggle to board.
I had just left Cub Foods and was patiently waiting for the bus when my bag started to fall apart due to the rain. I saw the bus coming and was struggling to put everything into the plastic bags I had and the driver was very kind and waited for me to get done so I could board the bus.
Robert H.
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The trial of former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin will soon enter its third week, ahead of schedule. To date, there have been no reported arrests or property damage associated with the trial.
Street Operations is monitoring and preparing for road closures that may soon go into effect near Minneapolis police precincts and in downtown Minneapolis. Sixth Street remains closed between 3rd and 4th avenues.
Bus operators are encouraged to check the 4-Day Board for relevant updates and to print their paddles to be sure they have the most recent information. Train operators should monitor Job Briefs for trial updates.
Several resources are available to employees who would like support processing the trial, including:
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A community restorative space, hosted by the Legal Rights Center. Online events are being held every Friday at 4 p.m. Learn more at legalrightscenter.org.
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In-person and online healing circles, led by experienced healers who are embedded in the community. Learn more at ramseycounty.us.
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The Council’s Employee Assistance Provider, Sand Creek, can connect staff with professional counselors who have training in generational trauma, race-related stress and traumatic stress, multicultural concerns and systemic racism. Call Sand Creek at 1-888-243-5744 or visit sandcreekeap.com.
Many people who work at Metro Transit take on new responsibilities and roles throughout their careers. Career Tracks will highlight the paths employees have taken to their latest assignment, encouraging others to consider their own professional development. To learn more about career development opportunities at Metro Transit, contact the Council’s Career Advisor Lynette Andersen at 651-602-1870 or lynette.andersen@metc.state.mn.us.
How did you begin your career with Metro Transit?
I began my career at Metro Transit as a signal technician in April 2013. For most of my career, I worked for Napco International in Hopkins as a project manager. Due to a reduction in force, I was laid off and became a train conductor for the Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern (DM&E) Railroad for about a year before an economic downturn. When most of my class of conductors was furloughed, I started looking for a different job. My wife came upon the posting for Metro Transit signal technician. She knew I wanted to get into a position where I could use my ability to work independently and use my technical skills.
What were your career goals and what steps did you take to achieve them?
My career goals have always been to be in management and to utilize my leadership skills. When I was 17, I joined the Army, from which I retired in 2014 after 27 years. For the first six years, I was a combat engineer in the Army Reserves in the Fargo-Moorhead area while attending Minnesota State University, Moorhead where I earned a degree in mass communications, with an emphasis in advertising and a minor in marketing. I had dreams of being in international business and moved to the Twin Cities. But I missed being part of the military and the camaraderie. After a year, I re-enlisted and joined the Minnesota Army National Guard Signal Corps where I progressed through the ranks to 1st Sergeant and Master Sergeant. I was deployed twice to Iraq. Back home, I worked in St. Paul, placing soldiers in different military schools. Since joining Metro Transit, I have risen from signal technician to signal supervisor and then acting manager from October 2020 until I was promoted in March.
What advice do you have for others who want to take on more or different responsibilities?
Listen to those around you, be an asset, be consistent, be someone that people can depend on and constantly try to learn and challenge yourself. Ask questions and be prepared for when opportunity presents itself. People with a bachelor’s of science degree don’t necessarily come up through these ranks. It’s the technical and communication skills that I learned from Napco, my military background and being a conductor that gave me the necessary tools to succeed at Metro Transit. I would say my military background is what most prepared me for this position, the training, the leadership, how to deal with people, how to communicate and how to lead.
Know someone who should be featured in Career Tracks? Email insights@metrotransit.org.
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In 2014, the Metropolitan Council identified equity as a key outcome of its Thrive 2040 plan. A variety of diversity, inclusion and equity training has been offered since then, while planning for a more comprehensive plan was underway.
That larger plan, the Racial Equity Training Program, is now being implemented Council-wide and will continue through 2023. The program’s goal is to ensure we’re all doing our part to address gaps between white people and People of Color in the region and in the workplace.
Current elements of the program include:
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Training on intercultural competency and intercultural conflict styles for all managers and supervisors. The trainings are designed to help them understand how to communicate more respectfully and effectively with people from different cultural backgrounds.
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An online course that focuses on unconscious bias, affinity bias and micro-aggressions – judgements and behaviors that are often rooted in stereotypes and which can lead to unearned advantages. All employees are expected to complete this class through Learn by April 22, except for bus operators, who will receive this training separately.
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The Leadership Forum Conference that all managers and supervisors will attend later this year. The conference will build on the intercultural trainings managers and supervisors have already taken.
Those who have participated in the training offered to date say they see where progress can be made, personally and as an organization.
"I’ve been in a bicultural marriage for over 30 years, so I thought I knew everything I needed to know through my own personal experience,” said Matt Dake, director of Bus Maintenance. “However, this training gave me a more thorough understanding of intercultural competencies. Some of the tools we learned how to use, such as transparency, reciprocity, and inquiry (TRI) and validate, appreciate and investigate (VAI) are excellent tools to help us learn more about different cultures and to recover if we mistakenly offend someone as we pursue this intercultural journey. I have begun using these tools in both my personal and professional life.”
Additional resources and discussion guides are forthcoming. In the meantime, staff are encouraged to engage with members of the Equity & Inclusion Team and/or contact Rachel Cagle.
Free financial counseling services now available: Employees can now access free financial counseling sessions provided by Financial Choice from Lutheran Social Services. Up to six free counseling sessions covering topics like budgeting, debt management and purchasing a home, are available to employees and household members. To learn more and schedule a phone session, call 800-528-2926 or visit lssmn.org. Several free webinars will also be offered in April and May. To learn more about those events, email fitforlife@metc.state.mn.us.
Nice Ride’s 2021 season begins: Nice Ride's shared bikes are available again in Minneapolis. Annual Nice Ride memberships are $89 and allow users to travel for up to 45 minutes at a time on a shared bike. Non-members can use a bike for up to 30 minutes for $2.50. Nice Ride docking stations are located throughout Minneapolis, including at the Blue Line’s 38th Street and 46th Street stations. Lyft, Bird and Lime are also expected to offer scooters in Minneapolis this year. Saint Paul does not expect to have a shared bike program this year, but the city is expecting shared scooters to be available later this month. Learn more at niceridemn.com. View a map of shared bike and scooter activity from 2019 here.
Buses replacing Green Line trains April 16-19: Last weekend, crews demolished concrete to access a section of embedded rail that cracked over the winter and welded a new piece of rail into place. Crews will again be replacing broken rail on the Green Line next weekend, requiring buses to replace trains between the Snelling Avenue and Stadium Village stations beginning at 7 p.m. Friday, April 16. Train service is scheduled to resume on Monday, April 19. Scheduled maintenance will lead to additional shutdowns on the Blue Line and Green Line later this summer.
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We at Metro Transit deliver environmentally sustainable transportation choices that link people, jobs and community conveniently, consistently and safely. |
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Metro Transit’s employee newsletter, Insights, is published weekly. Employees are invited to submit comments, letters to the editor and story ideas.
Contact the editor at insights@metrotransit.org.
© 2021 Metro Transit
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