The 2021 session of the Minnesota Legislature yielded important gains for transit, according to the Metropolitan Council (Met Council).
Legislators continued base-level General Fund appropriations for Metro Mobility and transit operations, and they approved establishing Metro Mobility as a forecasted program in the state budget beginning July 1, 2025. This means that future state budget forecasts will incorporate an obligation from the state budget General Fund for the costs of the service. Metro Mobility is transportation for certified riders with disabilities.
The Legislature also made a one-time $57.5-million appropriation for arterial bus rapid transit (BRT) projects. This funding will advance the METRO E Line on Hennepin and France Avenues, and the METRO F Line, which will serve the Central Avenue corridor.
Law requires zero-emission transit vehicle transition plan
Other transportation-related provisions in the omnibus transportation bill include:
- A $250,000 one-time appropriation for an analysis of transit improvements in the Hwy. 55 corridor. This appropriation requires matching non-state funds.
- Authorization for the Met Council to issue regional transit capital bonds in 2021 ($48.4 million) and 2022 ($50 million). Regional transit capital bonds are used to finance capital needs, such as fleet replacement.
- The Met Council must develop and maintain a zero-emission transit vehicle transition plan.
- The Center for Transportation Studies will undertake a study on transit post-COVID-19 pandemic. The study will specifically review the Northstar Line and commuter-oriented transit service.
