It's down to the wire at the State Capitol and the debate over funding for transportation continues. As it does, ardent transit users are making their voice known that even a 10 percent cut to Metro Transit and Metro Mobility will have dire effects.
Today, Minnesotans with disabilities will share their stories about the benefits of the Metro Transit system, and the hardships that could result from reduced transit service. during a rally at 11:30 a.m. at Leif Erickson Park, just south of the METRO Green Line Capitol/Rice Street Station, near 100 University Ave W, Saint Paul.
The news is a bit better than when Transportation for Livable Communities held its last rally just a few weeks ago. At that time there was talk of slashing funding for Metro Transit bus and light rail service by 40 percent. More recently, the Transportation Finance Conference Committee recently scaled back that proposal, but it would still curtail future transit expansion and result in a 10 percent cut in current bus service, with some metro-area routes reduced and others eliminated.
Tuesday's speakers include transit rider Joel Fox, Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities; transit rider Tom Untiedt, Valley of Peace Lutheran Church in Golden Valley; transit rider Rick Cardenas; transit rider Patty Thorsen; leaders from Transit for Livable Communities and St. Paul Smart Trips and Transportation Forward
