From Marilyn Porter, Director-Engineering & Facilities
Here and across the country, people are driving as much or more as they did before the pandemic began. Meanwhile, transit ridership is down by about two-thirds.
To combat climate change, those trends will need to be reversed as our region recovers in the coming years – the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Minnesota are cars, trucks and other vehicles.
As a department, Engineering & Facilities is supporting this shift by keeping the facilities our riders use clean, safe and inviting. We’re also responsible for maintaining and improving the support facilities we need to keep our fleet in top shape.
Beyond that fundamental work, though, we are striving to help our entire organization do its part to address the climate crisis. This week, as we and others commemorate Earth Day, I’d like to thank my staff and all those throughout the organization who are supporting this work.
Here are just a few of the things we’ve been able to accomplish together:
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We’ve reduced our electricity use by converting nearly all the lights at our support and public facilities to energy-efficient LEDs, which use about 75% less energy.
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We’ve reduced our natural gas consumption by using temperature and ventilation controls more effectively, sealing building leaks and installing more efficient boiler controls.
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Through expanded recycling and composting efforts, we’re diverting around a quarter of the material collected at support facilities from the waste stream.
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Charging infrastructure has been installed at many of our support facilities to support a growing fleet of electric non-revenue vehicles.
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The new Minneapolis Bus Garage is designed to support electric buses and rooftop solar panels. Beneath the facility, an enormous tank will hold rainwater that would otherwise run off into nearby waterways.
To build on these and other efforts, we are also working with key staff from other divisions to develop and support the Council’s first-ever Climate Action Plan.
When finalized, this plan will unify actions across the Council so we can do an even better job of reducing our climate impact and preparing for the effects of changing climate, like more extreme weather events. Expect to hear more about this plan as it takes shape throughout the year.
Within Metro Transit, we have also identified sustainability as a high priority and will be making it a larger and more consistent focus of all our daily work.
Thank you to everyone who continues to support our response to the climate crisis. Together, we are making real and significant progress in the face of a tremendous challenge. Please keep it up.
Learn more about the Climate Action Plan
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Several Metro Transit employees are doing their part to protect the environment at work and at home.
Robert Rimstad, Manager-Engineering Services, right, Senior Project Coordinator Joe Johnson and SCADA Systems Administrator Bruce Fenlason worked together to install solar panels on each of their homes. Combined, the systems are saving about 216,000 tons of CO2 emissions a year, the equivalent of planting 1,633 trees.
Read more examples on the Riders' Almanac blog
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 The verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial reverberated across the world. At Metro Transit, employees reacted with a mixture of temporary relief and a renewed conviction to continue working toward a better future. Below is a small sampling of perspectives that were shared this week. Staff is invited to add their voices by commenting on MetNet.
As a reminder, the Council’s Racial Equity Training Program is now being implemented. As part of that program, all employees are required to complete unconscious bias training (bus operators will receive this training in a different format).Managers and supervisors are receiving additional training on cultural competency.
While not a part of that program, any employee who is interested in facilitating beginning conversations on racial equity is invited to contact Rachel Cagle or a member of the Equity & Inclusion Team.
The Council’s Employee Assistance Provider, Sand Creek, can connect staff with professional counselors trained in generational trauma, race-related stress and traumatic stress, multicultural concerns and systemic racism. Services are free and can be provided remotely. For more information, call Sand Creek at 1-888-243-5744 or visit sandcreekeap.com.
Everybody has value, deserves to be heard and treated with respect. There are so many components to this issue that it’s hard to think about it clearly. I’m scared and sad for my kids because they are still under a microscope and being watched, and I feel sadness and anger over the lack of humanity. There is a lot of work to be done by everyone. If you want change, be the change.
– Patricia Parker, Transit Service Center Representative
The verdict in some ways was a vindication of what Black America has experienced for years. There was no escaping what we all witnessed – the killing of George Floyd captured on video camera. I am heartened by the outpouring of compassion by people from all walks of life who spoke up and showed up in opposition to this injustice. The pandemic caused me to pause on many different levels, but my contribution moving forward is to continue to show up and be present myself – one person can make a difference.
– Marilyn Porter, Director of Engineering & Facilities
We are all subject to the same system of justice – police included. Mr. Chauvin was held responsible for his actions in the course of a fair trial, in accordance with the U.S. Constitution, and by a jury of his peers. As a 30-year veteran of policing and as a leader within the law enforcement profession, I recognize this historical moment creates a paradigm shift in policing. We have seized upon it as a time to better ourselves and our profession. We serve the transit community as the guardians of trust and accountability – a job we take very seriously each and every day! The honorable men and women who have chosen this career are ready to defend its honor. They will continue to go forth and do great things as we boldly enter what has profoundly become an opportunity for a new beginning. As Colin Powell has said, "None of us can change our yesterdays, but all of us can change our tomorrows.”
– Chief Eddie M. Frizell
Nobody wins in this case – the officer loses their freedom and we all lost George. I hope this leads to changes that benefit our entire community, including law enforcement. We have to show support and love for everybody and find mutual ground.
– Catrina Boucher, Assistant Manager-Rail Transportation
I can’t in all my 51 years on earth recall a time where it felt like the entire world was anticipating a verdict like this. When it was announced, I was happy for George’s family and children, but another side of me felt like we really shouldn’t be celebrating because it was the right decision and not worthy of celebration…As the father of three Black sons, I have always worried. But today I am cautiously optimistic. This verdict helped release some of the frustration of all the past trials that didn’t end the way I thought they should have. I think people in our country are tired of this type of behavior and ready for change.
– Demetairs Bell, Assistant Manager-Street Operations
This verdict does not mean the work is done. And the recent killing of Daunte Wright is yet another reminder of all the work there is to do. If we don’t learn from these events and carry them with us as we march ahead, we are doomed to repeat them. As many have remarked, this was accountability for a tragedy, not justice. As Gov. Walz has said, true justice will come through systemic change and we must “tackle racial inequities in every corner of society – from health to home ownership to education.” That is where the Council has a unique role to play in building a better, more equitable region.
– Council Chair Charlie Zelle (read the Chair's full message to staff)
As with every senseless murder, justice can never be fully served by a jury’s verdict. But even with all possible outcomes falling short of justice, this conviction serves our region with the best outcome available…Perhaps we can all feel a short moment of hope and relief while acknowledging that change will demand so much more time and work.
– General Manager Wes Kooistra
 After many months of planning, the verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial was announced on Wednesday. Out of an abundance of caution, staff and equipment was relocated from Nicollet Garage to South Garage on Tuesday. The verdict's announcement was followed by large but calm demonstrations in downtown Minneapolis, which led to some temporary detours. Service is returning to normal as streets reopen; Nicollet Garage will reopen today, Friday, April 23.
Gov. Tim Walz and other state leaders celebrated this week as buses specially equipped to bring COVID-19 vaccines to hard-to-reach populations began hitting the road. The buses were retrofitted by Metro Transit staff.
“Equity is a core value of Minnesota's COVID-19 vaccination strategy, and every single Minnesotan deserves safe and equitable access to the vaccine. Making the COVID-19 vaccine available to as many people as possible is essential to ending the pandemic,” Walz said. “Our mobile vaccination units are ready to roll and will bring life-saving vaccine directly to communities that need them the most.”
Focus communities for the mobile units include, but are not limited to, people of color; urban Native Americans; LGBTQI+; people with disabilities and unique health needs; people experiencing homelessness; people more comfortable getting vaccinated in a trusted community space versus a clinic or similar; and people without access to vehicles. Other target populations could include large employers such as factories, food processing, and employers of seasonal and migrant workers.
Two mobile vaccination units began operating this week and another four will hit the road by the summer.
Share your vaccination story
More than half of the state's residents who are currently eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine have now received at least one dose.
Among them are many Metro Transit employees, including Heywood Operator Mickey Albert, who said she got vaccinated to protect her family and co-workers and to help end the pandemic. Albert was also motivated by her 89-year-old grandmother, who survived two cases of COVID-19 while living in a nursing facility.
Employees who have received a COVID-19 vaccine and would like to share their story are encouraged to contact insights@metrotransit.org.
Note: There are no pending on-site COVID-19 clinics due to a lack of known demand. Employees who are seeking a vaccine opportunity and need assistance may email Lisa Belland for help making an appointment.
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Metro Transit employees come from many cultures and backgrounds. To celebrate this diversity, Insights will regularly feature employees who are proud to share their heritage and identity. Upcoming heritage recognition events include Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (May) and Cinco de Mayo. If you are interested in sharing your story, please contact Sarah Berres
Tell us a little about your background.
I am a Hmong American woman who was born and raised in north Minneapolis. My main dialect is Hmong White and I can speak, write and read fluently in it. My father and mother came to the United States during the Secret War to give their family a better life and opportunities. I grew up with five brothers and two sisters and am the youngest daughter out of the eight. I’ve worked for the Metro Transit Police Department for the last seven years and oversee and manage projects throughout the department.
What was it like growing up as a Hmong-American?
Growing up, I was expected to follow the norms of a Hmong woman, which means understanding how to cook and clean and preparing to be a good wife for our future spouse. In Hmong culture, gender roles and expectations used to be very traditional. As Hmong people migrated to the United States, the norms within our culture changed. Women can now obtain a higher education, become independent, and focus on their careers and passions. I was taught at a young age to follow a certain path, but I knew it wasn’t the path I wanted to follow. Years later, I’m glad I trusted my instincts because I’ve achieved many life goals.
What do you enjoy about the Hmong culture?
It’s amazing how much Hmong culture has progressed. We’ve adapted to new living situations throughout our generations, fleeing to seek a better life, fighting and surviving a war, immigrating to other parts of the country and ultimately building new lives from scratch. This history speaks to our strength as individuals and how far it took us to get where we are today. I also appreciate how the Hmong fashion is continually evolving – it adds a twist and showcases that we know a few things about being creative in all different ways.
What is your go-to traditional comfort dish?
Boiled chicken soup with herbs with a side of peppers and rice.
Learn more
Fleeing wars in their homeland, Hmong people began to arrive in Minnesota in 1975. Today, there are more than 66,000 Hmong in Minnesota and the Twin Cities has one of the largest concentrations of Hmong in the United States. Learn more at mnhs.org.
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Two Metro Transit leaders are being recognized for their contributions.
Bruce Howard, Director of Transit Information and Marketing, was recently included on Twin Cities Business magazine's list of notable marketing executives. Howard has spent nearly 30 years at Metro Transit.
John Levin, Director of Strategic Initiatives, will receive the Richard P. Braun Distinguished Service Award from the University of Minnesota's Center for Transportation Studies next month. The award is presented annually to a transportation professional for outstanding leadership in research and innovation. Levin has been with Metro Transit for more than 24 years. Register for the online CTS awards here.
Reminder: WTS Minnesota awards are April 29
WTS Minnesota will recognize its 2021 award recipients during an online ceremony on Thursday, April 29. The event will run from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Several Metro Transit employees will be recognized, including Transportation Manager Amina Wolf, Ayantu Gemeda, Assistant Manager-Street Operations Bus Rapid Transit, and Deputy Chief of Operations-Bus Brian Funk. Register for the event here.
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Progress continues on the Minneapolis Bus Garage, being built just north of the Heywood Garage. The new facility is expected to open in late-2022 and will provide space for more than 200 buses. Currently, crews are finishing the foundation, continuing to set pre-cast concrete and finishing interior spaces that will be used for offices, a driver’s lounge and equipment storage.
Elsewhere, the plaza area between the Heywood Garage and the Metro Transit Office & Police Facility will soon be renovated to serve as a more inviting outdoor meeting area. In the coming weeks, dying trees will be removed and new picnic tables, benches and chairs will be placed. Future plans call for a permanent shade system and other landscaping improvements. To learn more, contact Molly Ellis.
All Metro Transit operators are appreciated by this customer, who recently wrote to thank all of them for their service.
Please thank the drivers for showing up every day, doing a sometimes-thankless job, and getting me where I need to go. I appreciate them all.
Melissa S.
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Rena Alseth knows every person’s wellness journey is different. To respect those differences, she offers personalized support on everything from nutrition to exercise to stress management.
“The kind of support I offer works really, really well because it can fit into any schedule and can cover whatever it is someone’s working on,” Rena said.
Rena has worked with many bus operators, police officers and staff over the years who have benefited from her one-on-one support. Today, she’s eager to build on that past success while adapting to the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Employees who would like to visit with Rena are invited to schedule one or a series of phone or video calls, each lasting up to an hour, to discuss their challenges and goals. The conversations lead to personalized advice and can also be used to create customized workouts offered through an app.
Over time, Alseth aims to build trust and accountability so the people she works with stay committed to incremental change. More than anything, though, she wants to be a resource and a sounding board for those looking for more support.
“Often times, people just need to vent and to be heard,” she said. “I’m not a psychologist and I don’t pretend to be one, but I can always listen to people talk about what’s on their minds and be there to support them.”
Rena Alseth is an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Fitness Nutrition Specialist, Weight Loss Specialist, and Functional Fitness Professional. To learn more about working with Rena, call 612-240-8038 or email rena@coreachievement.net. Services are free to all employees through the Council’s wellness program, Fit For Life, but appointments must occur on an employee’s own time.
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MentoringWorks applications due May 10 (from HR Connect): The Met Council’s MentoringWorks program matches employees (mentees) with more experienced employees (mentors). The 2021 virtual program offers quarterly starts that last six months. During that time, mentees develop personalized goals and implement strategies to achieve those goals while recognizing and cultivating their strengths. To be a part of the second group, apply by May 10. This group will start May 20 with a virtual introductory session at 10 a.m. To apply, visit the MentoringWorks page on MetNet.
Minnesota United season begins Sunday: For the first time since October 2019, Minnesota United will host a home match on Saturday, April 24. Up to 4,100 fans will be allowed inside the stadium, just south of University and Snelling avenues. Learn more about the team's COVID-19 policies at mnufc.com.
Move Minneapolis hosting event on urban interstates: Move Minneapolis, a group that promotes multimodal transportation among employers, will host a May 18 event about the future of urban interstates like I-94 between Minneapolis and Saint Paul. "Built for civil defense and to hasten suburban development, it’s time to reconsider their value to users, neighbors, and the cities they divide," the group says. "Will we double-down on cars and trucks, or will climate goals, equity concerns, economic opportunities and transit innovations mean the end of the road for urban highways?" Learn more and register at moveminneapolis.org.
Learn more about using Microsoft tools: To make the most of Microsoft tools like SharePoint, Teams and OneDrive, employees are invited to schedule a consultation with the Microsoft experts on the Collaborative Business Solutions team. Schedule a consultation here or email ECM@metc.state.mn.us.
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