I looked comprehensively at transit fares in peer cities two years ago, and the Twin Cities already has among the highest fares, matched with the among the lowest levels of service of any major metropolitan area. But apparently we're not far enough behind?
The basic problem is a switch under Governor Ventura that funds transit from the Motor Vehicle Sales Tax, instead of property taxes. Motor Vehicle Sales Taxes have dropped year after year, and this simply is not a suitable funding source. THE TIME HAS COME TO MAKE REAL CHANGE! Right now, there is ONLY ONE TRANSPORTATION FUNDING PROPOSAL at the legislature that would AVOID TRANSIT CUTS! Transportation Choices 2020 is that proposal (see more info at http://www.tlcminnesota.org/Events/2005/Legislature/TranspoChoices2020/ TC2020-Index.htm).
Last week, I saw unique and REAL EXCITEMENT and incredibly BROAD ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORT for the Transportation Choices 2020 bill at the legislature last week when it was heard in committee. And there is REAL MOMENTUM FOR CHANGE -- Republicans are finally feeling the heat on transit. A recent PiPress news article wrote: "The lopsided vote for the [Northstar rail] bill suggests that voters taught House members a lesson last year...The 'do-nothing' record contributed to the defeat of 13 House Republicans in November. 'The election changed things dramatically,' Tinglestad [R-Andover] said."
Let's take advantage of this opportunity! Call your legislator and tell them to make a competitive, fully-funded transit system a priority: (651) 296-2146 for House members, (651) 296-0504 for Senate members.
Join Transit for Livable Communities Transportation Choices Network at http://www.tlcminnesota.org/tcn/tcn-signup.html, to have a stronger collective voice.
And speak at the upcoming hearings on transit cuts (see http://www.metrocouncil.org/planning/transportation/2005/ servicechanges.htm for more info).
Bob Spaulding Saint Paul - Downtown Resident
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