The proposed transit lines would have linked the St. Paul airport, downtown, and the Mall of America.
Ramsey County, Minnesota officials nixed a proposal to build a streetcar or bus rapid transit (BRT) line between downtown St. Paul, the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport, and the Mall of America, reports Adam Uren for Yahoo News.
The proposed Riverview Corridor project was slated to cost roughly $2 billion, with some half being funded by federal grants. A BRT alternative would only cost $120 million, but county officials say the BRT proposal “was mainly included in the plans for comparative purposes, and wasn't a priority for the county.” According to the county, “During engagement sessions, issues were raised about potential construction impacts, safety and security concerns facing transit and communities overall, among other issues.”
“Rafael Ortega, District 5 Commissioner for Ramsey County, told the Pioneer Press he realized the Riverview Corridor project was doomed when the Metropolitan Airports Commission raised concerns about a streetcar sharing a track with the Blue Line light rail, as well as road improvements required approaching MSP.”
FULL STORY: A streetcar or rapid bus between St. Paul and MSP Airport? Ramsey County decides neither
St. Paul ‘Arterial BRT’ Could Be Faster, Cost Less Than Streetcar
Officials are eyeing a plan that could replace a proposed streetcar line with a bus rapid transit line.
New Bus Rapid Transit Route Breaks Ground in the Twin Cities
The Twin Cities are on a mission to become the bus rapid transit capital of the United States. The latest improvement to advance that ambition broke ground earlier this week.
The Future of Public Transit: The Bus
The solution to making public transit better doesn’t lie in technological innovations or hyper-modern trains, but in investing in one of its simplest tools.
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.
Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.
How to Make US Trains Faster
Changes to boarding platforms and a switch to electric trains could improve U.S. passenger rail service without the added cost of high-speed rail.
Columbia’s Revitalized ‘Loop’ Is a Hub for Local Entrepreneurs
A focus on small businesses is helping a commercial corridor in Columbia, Missouri thrive.
Invasive Insect Threatens Minnesota’s Ash Forests
The Emerald Ash Borer is a rapidly spreading invasive pest threatening Minnesota’s ash trees, and homeowners are encouraged to plant diverse replacement species, avoid moving ash firewood, and monitor for signs of infestation.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Ascent Environmental
Borough of Carlisle
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service