Board gets view into metro area transit plans

As a reminder that Washington County fits into a larger plan for transit pathways in the metropolitan area, the county board received an update on Metropolitan Council plans for those pathways March 11.

The 2030 Transit Master Study has plans for a “strengthened bus system,” evaluations of transit corridors for potential transit investments and studies of land use issues affecting transit in the area.

Maps on the plan all look like a heart, with arteries and veins radiating out from the central cities. But for Washington County officials, there is not enough blood flowing straight east.

Commissioner Dick Stafford, District 5, asked about projected growth in the county, and how transit plans would address that growth. “I’m sure you hear this everywhere you go,” Stafford said. “Our area is not getting enough attention.”

Proposed bus routes show routes that follow the major arterial streets in the metropolitan area, as well as express service in some areas.

The plan also examines transitway corridors, which could be used for commuter rail, light rail or bus rapid transit. Part of the study also looks at high-occupancy vehicle lanes that could also be toll lanes.

Commissioners noted that it is anticipated that Washington County will continue to add population in the coming years, and those residents will need to be served by transit and other transportation modes.

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