Transportation Equity
Benefits of light rail. When the Central Corridor light rail line is up and running in 2014, it will provide improved access to jobs, educational facilities, medical services, groceries, restaurants and entertainment for people all along the line from downtown Saint Paul to downtown Minneapolis. It is essential that all community members benefit equitably from the new transit service.
What's the Issue?
Transit equity. Early plans called for stations a mile apart in the low income, ethnically diverse neighborhoods at the eastern end of University Avenue, as compared to ½-mile spacing along the rest of the line. The DCC joined with other community organizations and government officials to form the Stops 4 Us Coalition which worked tirelessly to advocate for three “missing stations” to be built. Finally, in January 2010, US Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood changed one of the federal guidelines for federal funding, allowing for the addition of stations at Hamline Avenue, Victoria Street and Western Avenue. For more information about the community victory to gain the three missing stations, visit the Stops 4 Us page.
What's happening now with Transit Equity in the Central Corridor?
Transit, More than a Ride - The Central Corridor Transit Service Study and the Trusted Advocate Project
Metro Transit and District Councils Collaborative of Saint Paul and Minneapolis
During 2012, Metro Transit will be conducting a transit service study which will focus on integrating bus transit and light rail transit (LRT) in Central Corridor. As a part of this work, Metro Transit seeks public involvement to better inform the planning process before it even begins. Ultimately, public involvement will help determine the future network of transit in the Central Corridor Area.
The DCC has partnered with Metro Transit to help support and enrich community engagement in the transit study process. DCC will be implementing a Trusted Advocate pilot project which will contract with proven community organizers, advocates and leaders of different communities.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CENTRAL CORRIDOR TRANSIT SERVICE STUDY
