A peek Into the Future of Twin Cities Transportation

 When there are enhancements to the quality of life within a community, one can expect an increase in taxes. Most of the time, individuals have no decision making ability to where their tax dollars are invested. You may not like football. In fact, you may hate it but one way or another you will help finance the new stadium for the Minnesota Vikings. The officials that make the decision of where your tax dollars are spent have another vision of enhancing and increasing the range of the Minneapolis-St. Paul public transportation system.
 Currently, residents of Hennepin, Ramsey, Anoka, Dakota and Washington Counties pay an additional .25 percent in sales tax which goes directly towards funding public transportation in the region. The decision now needs to be made regarding how much the next Transit Improvement Tax will be- Governor Dayton's proposed .5 percent or a full 1 percent as proposed through a bill in the state legislature. The revenue from these increases would pay for expanding the number of rapid transit bus routes, speeding the construction of new light-rail lines and funding for more sidewalks and bike paths.
 One of my most memorable vacations is a trip to Denver when I was thirteen. I visited many tourist attractions in the area and have always maintained a special feeling toward Denver and surrounding areas. I have always said that of all the cities I have traveled, Denver resembles Minneapolis the most when all factors are considered. In fact, I have heard a local weather personality and others refer to Denver as our "sister" city. Thankfully, we will not resemble this city in the way tax revenue was created for its' transportation system. A much larger tax increase than what is proposed in the Twin Cities was imposed way back in 2004 and their first light rail line from the whole project is finally opening this summer.
 The benefits of public transportation have been outlined in our previous blogs. Whether you ride for environmental, financial, convenience, or any combination of these or other reasons, we have provided a picture of what the Twin Cities transit system will look like in 2020.