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<br /> REGIONAL TRANSIT BOARD
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<br /> MICHAEL J.EHRLICHMANN �' - .. �,�~
<br /> I NN ORI\ilA � : IN...
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<br /> �'3� August 13 1990
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<br /> 1""\' 0 yy` `N Y Working to Ree Congestion Along I-494
<br /> 'Recently, the I-494 corridor has been noted for its growing congestion. This area has been.
<br /> _ identified by the Regional Transit Board, the Metropolitan Council and the Minnesota
<br /> Department of Transportation as an area that requires additional transit service.
<br /> In the past year,the RTB has been involved with the•I-494 Travel Demand Management
<br /> ('1DM) planning process. TDM startegies are used to reduce one person car trips. Some
<br /> TDM measures include: use of flexible work hours,freeway ramp metering,car and van
<br /> pool use, and transit use: The RTB is working to develop,implement and fund a
<br /> demonstration transit service and TDM incentives that enhance public transportation use
<br /> along I-494. .
<br /> In addition to promoting TDM measures along I-494,the RTB has been involved in
<br /> • extensive market research. The RTB awarded the Improve 494 Transportation
<br /> - Management Organization (TMO) a Community Transit Planning Grant in 1989 to do focus
<br /> group research of employers and employees around I-494.
<br /> The RTB is considering two services that were developed from the findings of the
<br /> research. The first proposal is to operate a peak-period,dial-a-ride transit service for an
<br /> 18-month demonstration aimed at serving the work commuter of Bloomington,Edina and
<br /> . - Richfield. The dial-a-ride was ranked most favorably by the focus group because it
<br /> provides door-to-door service. .
<br /> .The second proposal is to ensure that riders of public transportation in this service area
<br /> have a guaranteed ride home. This would provide reduced rate taxi service for transit users •
<br /> who must work late or return home in the midday. MTC riders, car poolers and riders on
<br /> the new dial-a-ride would qualify for the program. The guaranteed ride home was the most
<br /> favorable incentive for people who are considering using transit. Currently,Seattle,
<br /> Washington provides this service and it is very successful.
<br /> As Our metropolitan area continues to grow,traffic congestion is a problem that we must all
<br /> face. The work being done along I-494 is an excellent example of several organizations
<br /> coming together to provide innovative alternatives to the traditional delivery of transit
<br /> services. The RTB, the Metropolitan Council,Improve 494,Mn/DOT, and Minnesota
<br /> Rideshare have all been involved,in working to develop solutions.
<br /> The challenges of providing transit services are different in each part of the region. The
<br /> RTB relies on extensive research before putting new service on the street. As we work to
<br /> meet the heeds of the region's transit needs, we strive to reduce congestion, reduce the
<br /> • pollutants going into our air and increase ridership on the region's transit system.
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<br /> 230 EAST FIFTH STREET,SEVENTH FLOOR • ST. PAUL, MN 55101 • 292-8789
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