The proposed transit lines would have linked the St. Paul airport, downtown, and the Mall of America.
Ramsey County, Minnesota officials nixed a proposal to build a streetcar or bus rapid transit (BRT) line between downtown St. Paul, the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport, and the Mall of America, reports Adam Uren for Yahoo News.
The proposed Riverview Corridor project was slated to cost roughly $2 billion, with some half being funded by federal grants. A BRT alternative would only cost $120 million, but county officials say the BRT proposal “was mainly included in the plans for comparative purposes, and wasn't a priority for the county.” According to the county, “During engagement sessions, issues were raised about potential construction impacts, safety and security concerns facing transit and communities overall, among other issues.”
“Rafael Ortega, District 5 Commissioner for Ramsey County, told the Pioneer Press he realized the Riverview Corridor project was doomed when the Metropolitan Airports Commission raised concerns about a streetcar sharing a track with the Blue Line light rail, as well as road improvements required approaching MSP.”
FULL STORY: A streetcar or rapid bus between St. Paul and MSP Airport? Ramsey County decides neither
St. Paul ‘Arterial BRT’ Could Be Faster, Cost Less Than Streetcar
Officials are eyeing a plan that could replace a proposed streetcar line with a bus rapid transit line.
New Bus Rapid Transit Route Breaks Ground in the Twin Cities
The Twin Cities are on a mission to become the bus rapid transit capital of the United States. The latest improvement to advance that ambition broke ground earlier this week.
The Future of Public Transit: The Bus
The solution to making public transit better doesn’t lie in technological innovations or hyper-modern trains, but in investing in one of its simplest tools.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie