Key study documents are posted to the left. An overview of the study progress to date is included below. Please check back for additional information as the study progresses.
Universe of Alternatives
The project team identified a universe of transit alternatives that encompassed four different modes (bus, bus rapid transit, light rail transit, and commuter rail) on several different alignments within the study area. The purpose of this portion of the alternatives analysis was to identify all (“the universe of”) viable options for a transportation investment that have the potential to address the project’s purpose and need. The following graphics demonstrate the universe of alternatives identified:
Screening Criteria
To pare down the number of alternatives for more detailed study, stakeholder study committees developed an initial screening process and met with staff from study area communities to review the options. The purpose of this initial screening was to identify alternatives that best meet the purpose and need. Screening criteria included:
- Service area (the potential for the concept to serve current and future transit users in the study area).
- Service efficiency (the potential to provide fast/direct service connecting activity centers).
- System connectivity (the potential to integrate with the bus route system and Regional Transitway System Plan).
- Compatibility with existing infrastructure (the potential to provide an improvement that is financially feasible and avoids impacts on existing land use and environmental resources).
Alternatives Advanced to Stage 2
The preliminary alternatives that are recommended for more detailed study are:
Public Involvement
Through a series of five open house meetings, the general public provided input and feedback on the universe of alternatives, initial
screening process, and preliminary alternatives selected for more detailed study. Major themes identified by the public included:
- A broader regional transit system is needed
- Interest in how the Bottineau Transitway will fit into the regional transit system
- Strong interest in seeing potential transitway improvements made quickly
- Potential economic development and redevelopment should be considered when selecting the preferred alternative
- Need to consider potential for the future transitway to connect to other communities and transit hubs
- Need for all day, frequent service into and out of Minneapolis (northbound commute)
- General support for light rail transit over bus rapid transit and commuter rail
- Request to expand evaluation of alternatives in Minneapolis to include Penn Avenue and the Emerson Avenue/Freemont Avenue one-way pair
Click here for July 2008 open house materials.
Click here for Fall 2009 open house materials.
Next Steps
- Continue development of alternatives, including:
- Stations
- Alignment
- Feeder bus
- Conduct detailed analysis of alternatives; and
- Review results to identify most promising options.
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