MnDOT worked with community leaders to ensure a fair and objective study. Open house informational meetings were held for the public in each corridor. It was agreed that the project should be staged in phases in order to reduce initial capital costs and evaluate route performance. The study was completed in January 1999 and will be presented to the state legislature for review and direction regarding the next steps. LRT cars can operate individually or linked to form a train.
Stops are less frequent than buses but more often than commuter rail.
As with commuter rail, LRT works in conjunction with the Metro bus service to provide flexible transit service that meets people's needs. The Metropolitan LRT Joint Powers Board, composed of 2 County Commissioners representing each of the 7 metro county Regional Rail Authorities, was created by the legislature to study the development of LRT and commuter rail for the region and to secure funding. In the past year, Metro Transit bus system proved that increased service results in increased ridership. The goal is to continue improving reliability, speed, comfort, and safety while expanding to more locations. New suburban park and ride lots are proving successful.