Expand Public Transportation Infrastructure in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area.

 

The purpose of this bill is to reduce traffic congestion and car dependence in the Twin Cities area by expanding and

upgrading public infrastructure. By improving current systems in place (Bus Rapid Transit, or Lightrail system in the

Twin Cities), and also making the systems more efficient and accessible to all people. This aims to take people off the

roads by making a better solution for getting to work, taking people off the road. This will help reduce traffic jams,

lower the cost of transportation for residents, and reduce Minnesota's greenhouse gas emissions.

 

Traffic congestion in the Twin Cities comes with a significant economic and social cost, with more than an estimated

$2.6 billion lost annually due to wasted time and fuel. The average driver in 2022 spent about 26 hours in traffic, up

47% from 2021 when commuters returned after the pandemic. Highway delays jumped by 47% during recent strikes when

displaced bus and light-rail riders hit the road. Such experiences show how bad transit capacity is directly linked to

roadway congestion. Population projections show that the Twin Cities metropolitan area will add approximately 800,000

residents by 2040, further straining existing transportation infrastructure absent substantial investment. In the

absence of expanded, modern public transit, congestion will get worse; economic productivity will be reduced; and the

time it takes to move freight will grow more expensive, adding approximately $232 million annually in costs for

Minnesota businesses. Investment in transit yields strong economic returns through the creation of jobs and increased

commercial activity, along with critical social benefits: approximately 30% of Minnesota adults cannot or do not drive;

10% of households lack access to a vehicle because of age, disability, or financial constraints. An expanded transit

system improves access to employment, education, and other vital services, strengthening workforce participation and

equitable development and enhancing public safety as public transportation is about ten times safer per mile than

private car travel. Increased public transit infrastructure will help reduce congestion, continue regional economic

growth, improve social equity, and raise the standard of living of all Minnesotans.

 

Twin Cities Metropolitan Area: the seven-county Minneapolis–St. Paul metro region of Minnesota (including Hennepin,

Ramsey, Anoka, Washington, Dakota, Scott, and Carver counties), which is served by the Metropolitan Council’s transit

system.

Public Transportation Infrastructure: transit facilities and services that move large numbers of passengers, including

bus systems, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lines, light rail transit (LRT) lines, commuter rail, transit stations,

park-and-ride lots, and dedicated transit lanes. BRT is defined as high-quality bus service that often uses dedicated

lanes or shoulder lanes, specialized stations, frequent service, and traffic-signal priority to achieve faster travel

times similar to rail. Light rail refers to electrically powered trains operating on dedicated tracks in urban

corridors, with multiple cars and stations.

Metropolitan Council (Met Council):the regional government body for the Twin Cities area that oversees Metro Transit

(the primary public transit operator). The Met Council is responsible for planning, building, and operating transit

services (buses, light rail, etc.) in the metro. In this act, the Met Council (and its Metro Transit division) will be

the lead agency for transit project implementation.

E-ZPass Lanes: also known as High-Occupancy Toll lanes or MnPASS lanes in Minnesota, these are designated highway lanes

where buses, carpools, and motorcycles can travel for free, while single-occupant vehicles may use them by paying a

variable electronic toll. E-ZPass lanes manage congestion by providing a faster option for transit and high-occupancy

vehicles, and are part of the region’s strategy to move more people efficiently on highways

 

This Act requires an initial $300,000,000 for the first two fiscal years. Funding will be drawn from multiple sources to

have long-term stability:

Dedicated Metro Transit Sales Tax (0.5%): Estimated to generate $300–350 million annually, deposited into a newly

created Transit Improvement Fund for construction and operations of transit projects.

General Obligation Bonds: The State of Minnesota is authorized to issue up to $1.5 billion in bonds over ten years to

finance major capital projects, including LRT extensions, BRT corridor development, and transit station improvements.

Federal Transit Grants: The Met Council shall seek matching funds from Federal Transit Administration programs (New

Starts, Small Starts, RAISE Grants). State funding from this Act is eligible to serve as the local match for up to 50%

federal cost-share.

Local and Private Contributions: Counties, municipalities, and private partners may provide supplemental funds or

support (right-of-way, station construction, etc.). Additional farebox revenue resulting from increased ridership will

be reinvested into the Transit Improvement Fund.

 

The continuity of the implementation of this legislation will be overseen and enforced by the Minnesota Department of

Transportation. There are no penalties necessary to enforce this bill.

 

This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026. The regional sales tax authorized under Section IV shall take effect on

January 1, 2027. All appropriated funds may be allocated upon enactment.