Commissioner McLaughlin noted that highway construction on T.H. 62 will take four years and I-494 will take eight years. Traffic congestion could be relieved during construction by putting in transit enhancements before construction begins. Unlike highways, LRT can painlessly increase its capacity by adding trains or increasing train frequency. John Dillery of Metro Transit noted that the Lafayette freeway project set precedent for highway funds being used for transit. Polls say that people want rail transit.
Transportation is now a top issue concerning metro area residents.
Commissioner McLaughlin suggested that advocates tell Governor Ventura and the leadership of the Minnesota House that they want more transit and dedicated, stable funding for it. Metropolitan Council's Transit Funding Request Kim Isenberg, Metropolitan Council Director of Government Affairs, noted that citizen lobbyists can do a lot to help advocate for transit. Nacho Diaz, Metropolitan Council Director of Transportation and Transportation Planning, presented the Governor's recommended transit operating budget for 2002-2003. We are building on success, including major service improvements, substantial ridership gains, better customer service, improved fleet maintenance, increased business support and improved system management. Ridership growth is spectacular with nearly 25 percent growth between 1996 and 2000.