[Wendy replies:] I would go one step further - we need statewide equity. But what that would mean to me, and what that would mean to you appear to be very different things. Suburban residents should be more than just a revenue source.
Josh comments:
The cities are pretty big revenue sources for the state, and often times a big draw for tourism. For example the residents of Minneapolis have been paying for the convention center, which brings in out of state tax revenue, via a city wide .5% additional sales tax. Cultural ammenities such as museums, theater and the orchestras are primarily in the central cities, these lead to maintaining the presence of large corporate HQ in the Twin Cities which helps the state and region.
If Minneapolis residents want to talk against the opt out for transit, then they should consider a consolidation of Minneapolis Libraries with the Hennepin county system, because that is an example where intergration could save money where the central city is "opting out." I don't know how the taxes levy splits on the library issue, just examining parallels.
Because I have no knowledge of the suburban transit systems, I have a couple of questions.
How much do these systems serve transit within the suburban community vs from suburb to downtown? Do any of these suburban systems go to other large transit points like Southdale or Mall of America? Is there any reciprocity between these system and Metro Transit (could you transfer buses between the various systems)? Will Northstar be part of Metro Transit, or will they be separate? If separate is there a discounted monthly pass that would encourage getting both passes?
Okay it was a lot of questions.
Josh Kroll
Minneapolis
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