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Public Transportation Combatant of Traffic Congestion

Check out our newest informational video about public transportation's effect on traffic congestion.

For more information see the links below:

http://www.mycommuterchallenge.org/home.html

http://www.apta.com/mediacenter/pressreleases/2011/Pages/112001_TTI_Report.aspx

http://mobility.tamu.edu/ums/

Putting the Public in Public Transportation

I recently contacted my cousin Paul for an interview about his experience riding the Northstar Commuter Train, because I knew it was not going to be a cut-and-dry informational interview about how the train works. When I first heard about the "Train Group" I thought my cousin was a part of a group of train enthusiasts, but after gaining more insight from other family members in the know, my interest grew as I learned he was actually part of a commuter social group. This kind of activity is not completely unheard of, in December the Star Tribune ran an article about a Northstar Commuter Train cookie exchange group, which was a lighthearted piece that covered the same subject matter, but there is something deeper that I hope to uncover in my own article.

Paul and his family are residents of Monticello, he has worked downtown Minneapolis for seven years and since starting that job has been a regular metro transit commuter. For four years Paul drove 30 miles to the park-and-ride in Maple Grove and then took the express bus into Minneapolis. Rising gas prices prompted Paul to begin looking for a different commute. His car gets about 30 miles to the gallon so during Paul’s round trip each day he was using two gallons of gas and ten gallons in a week which was more than he wanted. Paul had heard about the Northstar line and figured why not give it a try? The new route had him drive eight to nine miles to the Elk River station and catch the train. Paul’s employer covered $3 of the $5.50 fare, so he was spending $2.50 per trip and $5 a day which was definitely cheaper than two gallons of gas, he easily decided to make the switch.

As a commuter on the park and ride for four years, Paul never felt like he had made a connection with anyone who took the same bus that he did every day. Everyone seemed to keep to themselves, reading books, the newspaper, checking their phone, or working on their laptop. Even though they were all in the same vehicle, going to the same destination, and on the same schedule every day, they seemed to be in a realm of transition not interested in any social aspect or gaining any more acquaintances, just waiting to arrive at their destination. It didn't happen immediately, but the train turned out to be an entirely different experience for my cousin.

Paul had been riding the Northstar for a couple of months and finding it to be a similar experience to the bus, a kind of moving waiting room, but then one morning something unexpected happened. On the station platform he ran into a friend of his from high school who invited him to sit with her and some of her friends on the commute; that is when Paul finally found what he had been looking for. He joined the group that morning and now is full-time member.

They are a group of people who were interested in spending their commute in a social aspect that is outside their usual routine and gives them an opportunity to actually enjoy the commute. The current size of the entire group is about 20 people, but some have never met each other because everyone has different schedules. Based on what time you get on the train dictates who you end up sitting and chatting with during the commute. The usual and ideal size of the group per trip is eight because they can get eight seats together and easily be a part of the same conversation. If the group ends up larger they have been known to adjust and in many cases still a give hard time to others who are sitting in another part of the car.

As far as membership goes there is no initiation; it’s open to anyone who is looking for people to talk to. Paul says, "Anyone can join as long as they are willing to sit with us and put up with our antics." Besides riding the train together there are also social gatherings put together outside of the commute. These events give them more time to spend together and an opportunity to meet each other’s families. This helps put faces and personalities to names after everything they may have heard about these people prior to the event. Every year around Halloween they get together for a hayride and bonfire at Bunker Hills; throughout the year there are brunches at each other’s houses; and impromptu happy hours in either downtown Minneapolis or in Elk River. Recently the group enjoyed a boat trip that took the group from Hastings to Red Wing for an afternoon because a conductor on the train happens to own a large boat. Yes, you read that right conductors are even members of the group!

When Paul began taking the Northstar line it was a decision that was based on economics, but now it is the social aspect that is keeping him there. The reality of the situation is that people come and go from this group due to job transitions and other circumstances, but they have made lasting friendships and the idea of having this group as a permanent connection in their lives for the long run is something I am sure none of them ever expected the first time they got on the rails. For them the journey has always been the destination and the Northstar Line is a perfect fit.

As had mentioned above here is the link to the Star Tribune article about the Northstar cookie exchange:

http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/184444601.html

Do you think this kind of social and interactive culture could be bred in any other from of public transportation or is it unique to the Northstar Commuter Train?

The Convenience Factor

Here are a few ideas of what we can do while utilizing public transportation. The convenience and cost saving advantages alone make it worthwhile but here are some things that are so much better than the headaches of driving in the city!

If you are interested here is a Metro Transit convenience related article from the Star Tribune as well:

http://www.startribune.com/local/north/102670934.html?page=1&c=y

Something to do in addition to 'Dump The Pump'

By participating in 'Dump the Pump' on June 20th, or at least changing your habits in your daily commute you can be rewarded for your activity by signing up for the Commuter Challenge. 

Any time you decide to participate in an alternative to driving alone to work, which can be as simple as carpooling or actually taking Metro Transit, you can be entered into the Commuter Challenge prize drawing! And if you do it at least once a week and track your progress on the Commuter Challenge online you are eligible for even more prizes!

This promotion ends June 30th, there are still 11 days left so why not check out there website today.

http://www.mycommuterchallenge.org/home.html

Park & Ride Lots

A couple years ago, my roommate had just graduated from a major university. As with any recent grad, money wasn’t exactly the most abundant resource around. He had just gotten a job working in downtown Minneapolis, but there was an issue…transportation. His car was old, beat-up, and far from reliable and we were living in the city of Lakeville. Luckily for him, there was a solution: park & ride lots.

The park & ride provided him with route 467, the Express bus from Lakeville to Minneapolis. The schedule had numerous pick-up times and would only take about 30-45 minutes to get him to his destination. This feature of Metro Transit not only helped him save money on car maintenance, gas, and downtown parking, it also helped relieve the stress of car concerns.

The Metro Transit park & ride lots are a great help for people who want to take public transportation but may be living far away from the bus routes, e.g. suburbs of the Twin Cities. The fares can be a bit pricier than the standard bus rides, but they still end up being cheaper than gas prices and car maintenance. If you are interested in utilizing the park & ride for your transportation, there are hundreds of options available. Go to this website to find more information on the available options for park & ride locations.

A Peek Into the Future of Twin Cities Transportation

When there are enhancements to the quality of life within a community, one can expect an increase in taxes. Most of the time, individuals have no decision making ability to where their tax dollars are invested. You may not like football. In fact, you may hate it but one way or another you will help finance the new stadium for the Minnesota Vikings. The officials that make the decision of where your tax dollars are spent have another vision of enhancing and increasing the range of the Minneapolis-St. Paul public transportation system.

Currently, residents of Hennepin, Ramsey, Anoka, Dakota and Washington Counties pay an additional .25 percent in sales tax which goes directly towards funding public transportation in the region. The decision now needs to be made regarding how much the next Transit Improvement Tax will be- Governor Dayton's proposed .5 percent or a full 1 percent as proposed through a bill in the state legislature. The revenue from these increases would pay for expanding the number of rapid transit bus routes, speeding the construction of new light-rail lines and funding for more sidewalks and bike paths.

One of my most memorable vacations is a trip to Denver when I was thirteen. I visited many tourist attractions in the area and have always maintained a special feeling toward Denver and surrounding areas. I have always said that of all the cities I have traveled, Denver resembles Minneapolis the most when all factors are considered. In fact, I have heard a local weather personality and others refer to Denver as our "sister" city. Thankfully, we will not resemble this city in the way tax revenue was created for its' transportation system. A much larger tax increase than what is proposed in the Twin Cities was imposed way back in 2004 and their first light rail line from the whole project is finally opening this summer.
The benefits of public transportation have been outlined in our previous blogs. Whether you ride for environmental, financial, convenience, or any combination of these or other reasons, we have provided a picture of what the Twin Cities transit system will look like in 2020.

Posted by Mike Anderson

Public transportation can greatly reduce pollution!

Check out our informational video about public transportation's small ecological foot print.

For more information see the links below:

•http://www.statetransit.info/buses-and-the-environment/fact-sheet

•http://www.apta.com/mediacenter/ptbenefits/Pages/default.aspx

•http://metrotransit.org/our-vehicles.aspx

Dump the Pump on June 20th

In 9 days are you ready to "Dump the Pump"? Experience public transportation first hand on June 20th a great way to cut down on traffic and costs! So why not try it out?

To learn more check out the link below:

http://www.publictransportation.org/news/campaigns/dumpthepump/Pages/default.aspx

Cost Saving Benefits of Twin Cities Public Transportation

Make sure to check our informational video about the cost savings of switching to public transportation.

For more information follow the links below:

•http://metrotransit.org/
•http://metrotransit.org/passes-go-to-cards

ATTENTION Veterans!

Do you have a service connected disability? Keeping in step with the fine traditions of promoting public transportation within this blog, I have included some very useful information for you. Many of you may know about this and I am sure there are many that do not. Spread the word!

Disabled Veterans Eligible for FREE Transit!

Minnesota’s disabled veterans are now able to use public transportation throughout Minnesota at no charge beginning today. The transit benefit was passed by the legislature and signed into law by Gov. Tim Pawlenty this year.

Disabled veterans simply need to show the proper identification card to bus operators of any fixed-route service in the state, including Metro Transit and suburban transit providers in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area as well as regular-route services in Duluth, St. Cloud, Rochester, Moorhead, East Grand Forks and Mankato.

“This initiative will provide a tremendous service for disabled veterans in Minnesota. They are our nation’s heroes,” said Clark Dyrud, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs.

“How appropriate that this benefit for disabled veterans begins so close to the Fourth of July when we show our respect and support for those who defend the freedoms we enjoy,” said Peter Bell, chair of the Metropolitan Council, which oversees public transportation in the Twin Cities.

There are approximately 50,000 disabled veterans in Minnesota. The free ride benefit also extends to a personal care attendant who may be assisting a disabled veteran as they travel.

In the Metro area, this benefit is also available on the Hiawatha light-rail line and on the Northstar commuter rail line, which will begin operations late this year between Big Lake, Minn., and downtown Minneapolis.

“The transit providers in Greater Minnesota are an important part of our multi-modal transportation system. I appreciate that the fixed-route transit providers are acknowledging the contributions of our disabled veterans by offering them free service,” said Tom Sorel, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Transportation, which oversees and funds transit service outside of the metro area.

To qualify for the free rides, disabled veterans must show a Veterans Identification Card, or VIC issued by a VA Medical Center with the words “Service Connected” or the initials “SC” below the photo. The cards are available at the VA medical centers in Minneapolis and St. Cloud. For information call (612) 467-1991 or visit http://www.va.gov/healtheligibility/application/IDCard.asp

This benefit was passed into law on July 1st, 2009 and remains in effect today! Many may be aware of this benefit but assume it is only for veterans with a "higher percentage" disability rating. The fact is, ANY service connected disability rating entitles you to this benefit. You may not use public transportation very often, but having the VIC may change that! What are you waiting for?

Posted by Mike Anderson

Metro Transit Bus Passes

Our first video will give examples of the extreme price differences between driving a car and buying a Metro Transit pass. While there is a certain freedom that comes with driving a car, the ever rising gas prices may just be pushing you off the pedal. Metro Transit passes are a convenient and overall cheaper option for transportation. The big questions you are probably asking are, “What are the options?” “How much do they cost?” and “How do I get them?”

The options are many. If you’re working an 8-5 job and want to a transit pass to get you to work every day, one of the options available is a Metropass card. With literally hundreds of participating organizations, it’s very likely that your employer offers this card. The cost is $76 per month and can be used for unlimited rides on all buses and light rail.

If you are a student at a local college or university, the College Pass card may be right for you. There are over 40 schools offering the card, including Metropolitan State, Hamline, Concordia, St. Paul College, and MCTC. The price range for College Pass is $140-175 per semester, and includes unlimited rides for the semester on all buses and light rail.

If the options above don’t apply to you, Metro Transit still has you covered. Go-To Cards are available with options such as: 10-rides for $18.50, 7-day for $22, and a 31-day pass for as low as $59. The 7-day and 31-day cards enable you to ride the buses and light rail an unlimited amount for the duration of the pass.

At first glance, these prices may seem high, especially the Metropass and College Pass cards. However, according to AAA’s 2012 ‘Your Driving Costs’ study, the average sedan costs $8,946 per year to drive. If you were to buy a Metropass card every month you would spend a total $912 for the year; the College Pass would cost a total of $280-$350 for a traditional school year. If you’re trying to cut down on expenses and save money, leaving the car for public transportation may be a great option.

The final question to cover: Where do I get these cards? The Metropass and College Pass cards are offered through the specific organizations and schools, so your best bet would be to ask your employer or school regarding their participation. To obtain a Go-To Card, there are a variety of options. One option is to purchase a card in-person at a local store (e.g. Cub Foods, Rainbow Foods). There are over 125 places to buy a pass, and the list can be found at this website: http://metrotransit.org/buy-in-your-neighborhood.aspx. For those interested in purchasing online, the Metro Transit store, https://store.metrotransit.org/, can be used to obtain your pass.

If you would like to read more about Metro Transit Go-To Cards and passes, go to

http://metrotransit.org/passes-go-to-cards.

What is your experience, if any, with Metro Transit passes?

Sources

· http://metrotransit.org/

· http://newsroom.aaa.com/2012/04/cost-of-owning-and-operating-vehicle-in-u-s-increased-1-9-percent-according-to-aaa%E2%80%99s-2012-%E2%80%98your-driving-costs%E2%80%99-study/