09/02/2008 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Search

• Transit Facility Improvements • • Express Bus Corridors The Metropolitan Council has identified several express bus corridors to serve the outlying suburbs, such as Lino Lakes, by providing fast efficient transit service to the urban core. This will be accomplished through continued enhancement of the associated freeway segments with improved and /or additional transit advantages, including bus -only shoulder lanes, high- occupancy vehicle lanes (HOV), and ramp meter bypasses. I -35W from Lino Lakes to downtown Minneapolis is one of the express bus corridors identified by the Council. Transitways The Metropolitan Council Transportation Policy Plan includes a proposal for adding several new transitways in the region. The Rush Line Corridor, which passes just east of Lino Lakes, is listed as a Tier II Corridor. Planning studies are underway to determine the best approach to providing enhanced transit service in this corridor. The Urban Partnership Agreements for accelerated federal funding of key transportation projects includes funding for the expansion of the I- 35W/95th Avenue park- and -ride. This will have a direct impact on commuters from the Lino Lakes area because this park and ride is the City's primary location for utilizing express bus service to downtown Minneapolis. The City remains concerned, however, that mobility in and around the inner suburbs and the urban core will be negatively impacted by lack of any further progress on transportation funding and capacity improvement projects. Lino Lakes recommends and supports an aggressive approach to transit expansion projects and funding mechanisms that will materially reduce congestion, improve urban mobility, and bolster our Minnesota economy and lifestyle. This approach is consistent with the following goals and strategies identified in the beginning of this transportation plan: • Goal 3, Policy 4 — "Develop mass transit options to serve growing transportation demands" • Goal 5, Policy 1 — "Plan for and develop park- and -ride opportunities that are adjacent to our arterial roadways" • Goal 5, Policy 3 — In cooperation with Anoka County and other local units of government pursue state and federal funding for mass transit" • Goal 6, Policy 1 — "Support the planning and development of the established Rush Line transit corridor (rail and bus) from the central cities through Hugo" • Goal 6, Policy 2 — "Provide local transit opportunities to access the Rush Line corridor" • Goal 6, Policy 3 — "Continue to work with Metro Transit to provide and expand safe, affordable and efficient public transit" Park - and -Rides The Metropolitan Council's Regional Park - and -Ride Plan (2005) indicates that a new facility in the vicinity of I -35E and CSAH 14 should be considered, with an anticipated capacity of 600 spaces by 2030. 6 -27