We want to hear from you! Please email us at bottineau@co.hennepin.mn.us to submit your questions or comments on the Bottineau Transitway Alternatives Analysis Study.
Thank you.
Question: Why another transit study of the Bottineau Corridor?
Response: The response to this question has several components.
- One component is that planning for major infrastructure is a continuous process. The magnitude of the investment dictates careful project development activities over a period of time during which federal, regional and local perspectives and technologies can change.
- A second component is that the Bottineau Corridor study area is a dynamic environment with needs that continue to evolve. Land use development in recent years is just one example of this evolution.
- A third component is the success of the Hiawatha LRT line as a catalyst for the growing demand for travel options in the Twin Cities Region, including additional transitway facilities.
- A forth component is a financial one. The desire to capture federal funding for a Bottineau Transitway investment requires the alternatives analysis study process.
Question: What alternatives are being studied?
Response: The universe of alternatives initially included in the study included the following transit modes; commuter rail, bus rapid transit (BRT), and light rail transit (LRT). Following the screening process, the alternatives being advanced to stage two of the project include a baseline bus alternative (optimize the existing bus system), BRT and LRT.
Question: What are the criteria used to evaluate the alternatives?
Response: Screening criteria were used by stakeholder study committees to evaluate the alternatives and 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).
Question: What are the environmental benefits of taking transit?
Response: According to the American Public Transportation Association, taking public transportation is one of the most effective actions you can take to reduce household carbon emissions. A solo commuter who switches a 20-mile round trip commute to existing public transportation can reduce his or her annual CO2 emissions by 4,800 pounds per year. For more information on the benefits of public transportation, visit www.publictransportation.org.
Question: Why was commuter rail eliminated as an option?
Response: Detailed discussions regarding the commuter rail station spacing characteristics, limited accessibility to study area travel markets, lack of service frequency throughout the day and lack of a north end terminus activity center were significant factors in this decision.
Question: How does the Bottineau Transitway connect with other regional corridors?
Response: Integration of a Bottineau Transitway with the regional transitway system is envisioned near Target Field, the new Minnesota Twins ballpark.
Other regional corridors that have planned connections at the new station include the Northstar Commuter Rail, Hiawatha LRT, and Central Corridor LRT. Additional regional transit corridors in development may also have connections near the new ballpark. For additional information on other regional transit corridors, visit www.mnrides.org.
Question: What organization is leading this project?
Response: The project is being led by the Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority (HCRRA). The HCRRA was established as a separate political entity to plan, design and implement light rail transit in Hennepin County. The Board of Commissioners for the Authority consists of the seven members of the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners.
Question: How are you gathering input?
Response: A comprehensive stakeholder involvement program was developed to ensure stakeholder input is incorporated into the study. Strategies being used to gather input and inform the public regarding the study include public open houses, presentations to city councils and other community organizations, a project fact sheet, maintenance of a project website, media relations activities, and four types of study adisory committees (PAC, ARCC, CAC, and FIGs) . |
