Below, our partners at Transit for Livable Communities outline key concerns with the plan and suggest action steps to help improve the plan.
From TLC:
Problem:
The Plan has strong goals--to guide transportation investments to enhance our economy, environment, and quality of life. So far, so good. But, as our summary of concerns (available here, PDF) makes clear, follow-through is a big question.
Solution:
We need your help to make sure MnDOT knows that Minnesotans are paying attention and want to see results "on the ground" and in valid performance measures to show that they are meeting goals for increased transit, bicycling, and walking. If we make MnDOT accountable for these goals, benefits including better health, access, economic opportunity, and a cleaner environment will follow.
Action Needed:
Please tell MnDOT that the Statewide Multimodal Plan (on page 89, where performance measures are listed) must explicitly include the state goals for bicycling, walking, and transit. Additionally, the Plan should show how MnDOT will measure performance against these goals and adjust plans and priorities as necessary to achieve them. Those goals are:
- Increase the use of transit as a percentage of all trips statewide by giving highest priority to the transportation modes with the greatest people-moving capacity and lowest long-term economic and environmental cost
- Promote and increase bicycling and walking as percentage of all trips as energy-efficient, nonpolluting, and healthy forms of transportation
- Provide transit services to all counties in the state to meet the needs of transit users
Deadline for responding: Please take action by Tuesday, July 31. Contact Kirby Becker, MnDOT Office of Statewide Multimodal Planning, 395 John Ireland Blvd, MS 440, St. Paul, MN 55155, Email: Kirby.Becker@state.mn.us.
ACT NOW: Give your input now via TLC's online action alert.
