New Transitways: Hiawatha, Central, Southwest and More!

Dave Van Hattum

Policy and Program Manager, Transit for Livable Communities

The opening of exciting new transitways in the Twin Cities is on the horizon over the next 10 years. At the same time, funding and integration challenges remain.

The Twin Cities region is poised to add two new light rail (LRT) lines - Central Corridor in 2014, and Southwest in 2017. Construction has begun on the Central Corridor project, which will connect downtown Minneapolis and downtown St. Paul, traveling most the distance on University Avenue. The Southwest LRT - traveling from downtown Minneapolis to Eden Prairie (with stops in St. Louis Park, Hopkins and Minnetonka as well) - Is expected to begin preliminary engineering this fall. Both promise huge ridership: approximately 30,000 riders per day.

The Bottineau Corridor, traveling northwest from downtown Minneapolis to Maple Grove or Brooklyn Park, and the Gateway Corridor, traveling east from downtown St. Paul potentially as far as the St. Croix River, are also being studied for LRT. Current uncertainty regarding state and federal funding makes these projects a long shot for completion by 2020.

Watch for enhanced bus rapid transit (BRT) service on I-35W South and Cedar Avenue. When the Crosstown (Highway 62) reconstruction is complete, bus riders will enjoy free-flow conditions in the MN/Pass lane from Lakeville to downtown Minneapolis and a few stops in between, including the new 46th street on-line station. The Gateway corridor may operate as BRT if ridership estimates don’t support investment in LRT.

A pleasing transit system relies on downtown transit stations to efficiently move people from corridor to corridor and from train or bus to their office or other destination. St. Paul’s Union Depot and the Minneapolis Transportation Interchange will provide this function while also providing exquisite public spaces.

The Counties Transit Improvement Board (CTIB), a collaboration of Anoka, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, and Washington Counties, deserves most of the credit for accelerating transitways in the region. Thanks to County Board votes in 2008 and bold legislative action, a small increase in the sales tax in these counties is leveraging large matching funding from the Federal Transit Administration.

Twin Cities residents shouldn’t be content with current plans for the transit system. The Metropolitan Council, Mn/DOT, and county and local government all have a critical opportunity to set a new course for a safer and more sustainable transportation system. Getting there means prioritizing transit projects over road expansion. It also requires crafting local land use and housing plans that allow for new development (housing and commercial) that follows the increased access provided by better transit service.

Read Up

Region: Planning the Future of the Twin Cities, by Myron Orfield and Thomas Luce, University of Minnesota Press, 2010.

Act Locally

Transit for Livable Communities: St. Paul, MN, 651-767-0298, tlcminnesota.org

New Transitways

Green Tips

Make Your Own Non-Toxic Cleaners

Many of the chemicals found in the average store bought household cleaner are associated with health and environmental concerns. You can reduce your exposure to toxins at home by using fewer chemicals and making your own Non-Toxic Cleaners.

Non-Toxic Cleaner Recipes

Contact Your State Legislator

As a constituent, you are your local legislators’ highest priority. Why not share your views with them and ask them to support your position? It may seem like your letters and emails will get lost in a deep, dark political hole, but don’t despair. Whether you call, fax, email or visit in person, this article offers tips on how to effectively communicate with your elected officials and get them to listen.

Host a Clothing Swap

Swapping is a great way to eliminate waste and engage in reuse. Instead of throwing away items that you no longer want, you give them to someone who does, and instead of purchasing brand new items, you can reuse items you receive from others. Swapping can also be a way to provide items to people who cannot afford to purchase them, and it is a wonderful way to meet new people and build a sense of community.

Check out Swapping Made Easy for a full list of tips to hosting your own swap!

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Purchase Sustainable Lumber and Wood Products

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More info here!

Check Windows and Doors for Energy Efficiency

Here are some easy tips for Home Energy Savings:

Leaky windows, doors and frames can let out the air you paid to heat or cool. Once a year, check the caulking around your windows, doors and joints to make sure everything is sealed tightly.
Install weather stripping around any leaky windows and doors.
If you use storm windows, check them each winter to be sure they provide a good seal and are not cracked.
If you have only single glaze windows, you can purchase do-it-yourself plastic storms that just tape into place.
If you use window air conditioners, take them out for the winter. If they are attached to the wall or too big to move, make sure they are well-covered with insulating material to avoid leaking a lot of your warm air.
If you have a fireplace, install a glass door that reduces hot air loss.

Take the Energy Challenge

The fastest, cheapest, easiest way to reduce your carbon footprint is through energy efficiency and conservation. Plus, you’ll save yourself money in the process! Need a little boost to get started? Join the Minnesota Energy Challenge and learn from thousands of Minnesotans who have pledged to reduce their energy use—and are finding fun, creative ways to do it. Read more about the Challenge here.

Choose Safe Art Supplies

Arts and crafts materials can be hazardous to your health and the environment. Even though the Labeling of Hazardous Art Materials Act of 1988 requires stringent labeling of hazardous materials in art supplies, many materials are out of compliance. This article offers tips to help you choose safe art supplies, plus substitutes to harmful substances.

Plant a Seed, Grow a Community

Community Gardens are community spaces that are communally cultivated and cared for; these spaces may consist of individually-worked plots, multiple person caretaker areas, sitting areas, and small-scale children play areas. Some say community gardens are the last existing opportunity Americans have to reclaim common spaces. This article offers great information about the many benefits community gardens provide.

Host a Climate Café

Climate cafés are a relatively new offshoot of the café discussion movement, which takes its inspiration from philosophical discussion groups. These discussion cafés offer a venue for respectful public conversation on the challenging subjects facing us daily. You can host a discussion anywhere and get the climate conversation going. Interested? Check out this article.

How Our Food Choices Effect the Planet

New Transitways: Hiawatha, Central, Southwest and More!

How Our Food Choices Effect the Planet

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