Vision
The Counties Transit Improvement Board’s vision is a network of interconnected transitways that allows users to move efficiently and safely, mitigating congestion, enhancing economic development and improving environmental stability for the region.
Transitways are defined by the Board as transit operating in a dedicated right-of-way with on-line stations to assure fast, reliable, attractive and efficient service to residents and businesses within the metropolitan transportation area. This includes light rail transit, commuter rail and bus rapid transit.
Connecting Workers to Jobs
Nearly 280,000 jobs exist within the Central Corridor. The LRT helps bring 160,000 to work in downtown Minneapolis every day. Bus rapid transit on the Cedar Transitway will connect more than 150,0000 residents in eastern Dakota County with jobs at the Mall of America, the airport and Minneapolis. There are more than 60,0000 jobs within 1/2 mile of Northstar commuter rail boarding points in Anoka, Coon Rapids, Fridley and Minneapolis.
People Ride Transit
More folks are riding transit than ever before. In the past eight years the number of rides in the Twin Cities metro area has increased by almost 20 million, or 24 percent. Nearly 60 percent of all trips on public transportation in this country involve travel to and from job sites.
Congestion Will Grow
Minneapolis-St. Paul now has the 10th worst traffic congestion in the country, but transit is part of the solution. According to the 2010 Urban Mobility Report, public transportation saved the Twin Cities 5,058,607 hours of traffic delay, 3,974,600 gallons of gas and $115 million in congestions costs in 2009. Reduced congestion makes us more attractive to business, who need on-time deliveries and employees who can get to work.
Mobility to Get There
The number of U.S. drivers 70 and over is expected to triple in the next 20 years. Aging gracefully in their homes is more likely if seniors have access to public transportation. Ridership on transit serving Twin Cities colleges and universities is strong and growing. Students rely on public transportation to further their education. Station to station service like LRT and BRT gives people more options for visiting stores, restaurants and even theaters. That's called good business.
