Major Bus Transit Investments Proposed for Minnesota

Bus transit advocates in the state of Minnesota are happy to see they have a friend in the Governor's Office.

1 minute read

February 26, 2019, 7:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Minnesota Transportation

Sam Wagner / Shutterstock

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz revealed a proposed state budget that provides serious support for public bus transit around the state. "[Governor Walz] wants electric coaches, new routes and more frequent service," reports Jessica Lee.

"The additions, of course, would come at a cost," adds Lee. "Those in the seven-county metro area (Hennepin, Ramsey, Anoka, Washington, Dakota, Scott, Carver) would face an eighth-of-a-cent sales tax increase — on top of the budget’s 20-cent gas tax increase statewide — if the governor’s $324 million transportation package were adopted."

The State Legislature will have to determine how much of Gov. Walz's budget is doable and how much will be left on the cutting room floor. A separate article by Peter Callaghan digs into the political viability of the proposed budget.

Also, check the slight salacious headline—anyone raised in the '90s will catch the reference.

Wednesday, February 20, 2019 in MinnPost

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