New metro BRT lines could be DOA without a little TLC from the Legislature

Move over light rail. A different public transit mode is in the spotlight at the state Capitol: bus rapid transit.

In coming days, state lawmakers and Gov. Tim Walz could decide the future of several proposed bus rapid transit lines in the Twin Cities metro. Better known as BRT, the service attempts to provide a light-rail-like rider experience with enhanced stations, expedited ticket purchasing and boarding, increased frequency and limited stops to provide faster trips.

Several BRT projects are currently on regional leaders’ funding wishlist, but much of what happens with those priorities will depend on what happens at the Legislature. The DFL-controlled House and the GOP-controlled Senate have proposed two vastly different spending plans for transportation in the next two years. The Senate’s transportation funding proposal sets aside no new money for public transit, for instance, while the House and Walz have proposed a plan that would help fund 10 new bus rapid transit lines over the next decade.

Members of the Senate and House are currently meeting in conference committees to work out compromises before the end of the legislative session on May 20.

Read more: https://www.minnpost.com/metro/2019/05/new-metro-brt-lines-could-be-doa-without-a-little-tlc-from-the-legislature/