Transit: A Path to the Future

Returned to LRT

I had to go back to the bus side for a month until a opening in LRT. On Jan 2 I returned to LRT for some training and was turned out on Friday Jan 6.

This is the first time that I pulled into the Mall of America as Metro Transit LRT operator on my own.

Central Corridor Update

Car Hit By Light Rail Train

And no that was not me.

Training 3

This was my 3rd day training on the main line. I picked up passenger during rush hour. Operating in service the last 4 days. Things are going great and having a good time.

LRT Training 2

I passed my final test on rules class. Last night was my first night on the main line training on LRV. Things are going very well.

LRT Training

I finished my first week of training for LRT (Light Rail Train) operator for Metro Transit today. On Monday, my first day, I felt overwhelmed and wondered what I got myself into to. Now today, Friday, I am feeling "I can do this!"

I operated the LRV this week, VERY COOL. Toured the Maintenance Dept. They do an incredible job. A lot goes into maintaining the LRVs.

This week we had 2 quizzes. I scored 100% correct on both. Still have lots to learn.

Burnsville Fire Muster

Central Corridor Update

2011 Buses

2011 New Flyer D60LFR and Gillig BRT (middle)

Interior of Bus 3363














Destination sign control. It has a touch screen.















Driver's Seat Bus 3363

Gateway Commission Has Open House

Gateway Corridor Commission Holds Open House in Hudson to Discuss Mass Transit Options Along I-94

Members of the public were invited to attend an open house on Tuesday put on at the St. Croix County Government Center by the Gateway Corridor Commission. The group put on the open house so the public could get the opportunity to learn about the group's transit plans from downtown Minneapolis through St. Paul, Woodbury, Hudson and all the way to Eau Claire.

The group has identified eight transit alternatives to study in greater detail over the next several months. Some of the options include bus service, others include light rail service. One option includes commuter rail service along existing tracks.

What are the alternatives being studied?

Alternative 1: The “no build” option would maintain current express bus service from the central cities to Woodbury. The buses would travel on MnPASS lanes between Minneapolis and St. Paul and then use the shoulder when traffic is moving slow between St. Paul and Woodbury.

Alternative 2: This option is the same as the first option, except it adds express bus service all the way to Eau Claire from the central cities.

Alternative 3: This option would incorporate bus rapid transit—similar to express bus service, but faster—in a MnPASS lane from Minneapolis to St. Paul and a bus-only lane from St. Paul to Hudson along Interstate 94. Express buses would connect Hudson to Eau Claire.

Alternative 4: This option would be the same as Option 3, however the route would travel along Seventh Street in St. Paul and would travel along Hudson Road in Woodbury.

Alternative 5: This option provides light rail transit from St. Paul’s Union Depot to Hudson along Interstate 94. Express buses would connect Hudson to Eau Claire.

Alternative 6: This option provides light rail transit on a more windy route than Option 5. The route would travel down Seventh Street in. St. Paul, then travel along Interstate 94 starting at White Bear Avenue, and then travel along Hudson Road in Woodbury and connect back with Interstate 94. Express buses would connect Hudson to Eau Claire.

Alternative 7: The seventh option would create commuter rail from Minneapolis to Eau Claire using existing track. There are two potential routes to the Union Depot in St. Paul. From the Depot, the route would travel along Union Pacific Railroad tracks north of Interstate 94 to Eau Claire.

Alternative 8: The eighth option would use MnPASS lanes from Minneapolis to Hudson. The option would include adding Park and Ride lots throughout the corridor. Express buses would connect Hudson to Eau Claire.

Funding For Transit Agreed

Conferees reconcile 4 spending bills

In the bills finalized Monday, one of the most significant changes involves the funding of Twin Cities transit. Republican lawmakers wanted to cut Met Council funding to about $20 million -- $100 million below current levels. Dayton wanted $129 million

Northstar Shutdown Due to Derailment

Metro Transit Fare Hike & Cuts in Service?

Planning for Potential Transit Budget Reductions

At the June 27, 2011 meeting of the Metropolitan Council Transportation Committee, John Levin, Metro Transit's Director of Service Development, summarizes Metro Transit's plans to provide information and collect public input regarding potential transit service reductions and fare increases, which may be necessary given anticipated shortfalls in the regional transit operations budget.

While watching the video, you can also view Levin's slide presentation (14 pages, pdf).