Transit advocates, business groups want more investment in transit

A coalition of more than three-dozen advocacy organizations, business and environmental groups and labor unions is pushing a bill that would increase public transportation options in Minnesota.

The bill is awaiting a hearing at the Capitol. The proposal would build more light rail, add bus rapid transit, improve regular bus service and Americans with Disabilities Act compliance.

Barb Thoman of Transit for Livable Communities said Minnesota needs better options for people to get to work and school without adding traffic. The non-profit group is part of the coalition.

"To enable us to build out the region's public transit system, to expand public transit in greater Minnesota and also to include connections for bicycling and walking as part of that," Thoman said.

Thoman's coalition supports a bill calling for an additional $300 million per year in the metro and $32 million in greater Minnesota for transit and trails for walking and bicycling. Advocates also want better access for people in wheelchairs.

"It's about public health, it's about public safety, being able to get places on foot, on bike, on transit in a safe and convenient way. It's about growing in a more sustainable way," she said.

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