Paul Thissen: Innovation in Action

Introduction/Background

The Twin Cities, progressive in so many ways, continues to be light years behind other metro areas when it comes to commuter and light rail.

My Idea

After decades of development in other US metropolitan areas, Minneapolis/St.Paul and the suburbs continue to lag years behind in planning and developing commuter and light-rail projects, many of which would spur jobs growth, develop local economies, spur tourism, and reduce air and noise pollution.

Why does the leadership in Minnesota feel it has to reinvent the wheel or debate this issue indefinitely? It’s not rocket science! The Hiawatha Line has been operating for four years without a followup success story; the Northstar line has hit so much resistance (Pawlenty is now “for it after he was against it” for years) and a southwest commuter or light rail route is only in the talking stages. We also desperately need a line coming in from the east as the Woodbury, Lake Elmo, Stillwater and Hudson/River Falls, WI areas continue to grow in leaps and bounds and add to the freeway congestion nightmare.

The Chicago metropolitan area, only 360 miles to our southeast, and comparable in square mileage, has 11 commuter rail lines running through the area and, of course, the elevated track system which has been in use since the 1930’s.

Eleven other major metropolitan areas in the US have light rail systems, including several much smaller in population. Phoenix has realized that it needed to address this missing link in their transit options, and has broken ground on their project throughout Phoenix and two other suburbs.

These projects would greatly add to the ability of Minnesotans to get around the metro, improving employment opportunity for all income brackets, tourism and an eco-friendly option for the future. It is my hope that we truly become a 21st century city.

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Across the state, Minnesotans are struggling to fill up the tank. Gas-guzzling cars are clogging our roads and polluting the environment.

Minnesotans deserve a 21st century transportation system. Public transit, bicycling, and walking must be major themes in this campaign. If we invest in public transit by expanding service, we can cut carbon emissions, reduce congestion, and help Minnesotans avoid sky high gas prices. Incorporation of exercise into Minnesotans’ daily routines via bicycling and walking will encourage healthier lifestyles. In order to do this, we must increase density and provide Minnesotans with safe, dedicated bicycle paths. Investment in bicycle infrastructure will also create jobs, which are disappearing at an alarming rate these days…

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