In-Transit Fall 2020 Edition Features:
MPTC & Expo recap P. 7-10
Smart Transit Delivered 62,000 Meals P. 11
St. Cloud Metro Bus Innovates for Safety P. 12-13
Updates at Rolling Hills Transit P. 14
SouthWest increased service to Downtown Metro Bus Announces Minneapolis & U of M Participation in APTA P .16 Health & Safety Program Arrowhead Transit P. 22-23 Improves Website P. 17-18 Cover Photo Courtesy of St. Cloud Metro Bus DTA Traffic Signal Priority Rollout P. 19 What’s New? Tri-CAP’s New Facility in Little Falls Join the 2021 Roadeo Committee - Provide input for next P. 20 year’s Roadeo. This is great to add to a resume and an even better way to voice your opinion Tri-Valley Assists Food More on P. 25 Shelf p. 21 2020 Transit Award Winners - Find out who won each category and where you can check out the Awards Video. Rainbow Rider More on p. 9 Celebrates 25 Years P. 24 President’s Column
With my run as President of MPTA coming We greatly appreciate the continued to an end, I want to thank everyone on the MPTA Board and all the members Of Transit and Active Transportation at for your support and friendship over the MnDOTinvolvement and theand Metropolitan support of the Council. Office The years. It’s been great to get to know so updates from Commissioner Kelliher and many professional, caring people who are Chair Zelle provided important information committed to transit in Minnesota. and their participation was greatly appreciated. For those who participated in our MPTA Annual Meeting, you’ll know that the The great thing about a virtual conference association will be in good hands with is that it continues to live on after the Ryan Daniel from St. Cloud Metro Bus as event is over. I encourage everyone to visit President and Phil Pumphrey with the the MPTA web pages for the conference Duluth Transit Authority as Vice President. to access recordings of the sessions, We really appreciate their interest in powerpoint presentations and handouts moving MPTA into the future with plans and to visit the Virtual Booths that we to grow the association and increase the developed for our sponsors. These booths services we provide for all of our member provide great information on new products systems and companies. and services for transit systems including contact information for people with the MPTA continues to adapt to deal with the companies who can help you out. With this challenges we’re all facing with a global new technology, the transit conference is pandemic. We’re here to provide resources available any time you want to experience and information and to promote our it! member companies and the sponsors who help make our events possible. As rules and As we gear up for 2021, MPTA will be regulations change, as the situation changes working hard to represent you and the and as funding opportunities arise, we’ll need for increased investments in transit make sure you are kept updated. in Minnesota. Your input and participation will be critical as we all work to recover With our 2020 Minnesota Public Transit from this pandemic. The world may have Conference we took a hybrid approach that changed, but we understand the crucial allowed for both in-person networking role that transit plays in allowing people to and collaboration as well as remote work and live independently throughout participation by people from all over the state. With a strong association, you the state. It was great to see some of our can continue to provide the important members and catch up, as well as learning services that our communities and from experts in transit and leaders at the residents need. national level who are mobilizing advocates and pushing for the future of transit in our Thanks for the great experience as country. MPTA president and thanks for the great memories!
2 Legislative Report
State Legislative Action That proved to be tough to get during the regular session as well as during the July special session. In the Senate, the inMaybe passing the afifth capital time bonding is the charm. bill during The the Republican majority was more supportive Minnesota Legislature was finally successful the regular session. This last special session level of funding was smaller in the initial wasfifth oncespecial again session called called so that since Governor the end Walz of Senateof passing bonding a significant proposals. bonding Negotiations bill but the could extend his emergency powers for behind the scenes and pressure from another 30 days. The legislature was called advocacy groups resulted in fairly strong back on October 12th and on October 14th political support from both sides of the the House of Representatives passed HF1 – a major capital bonding bill. The Senate then was 100-34 and in the Senate the vote passed the same bill on October 15th and wasaisle. 64-3. In the Both House, parties the recognized final vote for the HF1 sent the bill to the governor for his signature. importance of taking action to increase investments in infrastructure projects After months of advocacy and frustration, and create jobs at a time when the state’s MPTA members are extremely grateful that economy is suffering. legislation was passed with funding for transit capital projects. Unfortunately, the million to the Metropolitan Council, will buildThe largest two arterial appropriation bus rapid for transit transit, lines: $55 versionfinal bill of did the not bonding contain and the tax tax bill provisions included the D Line which connects Brooklyn Center languageMPTA had providing been fighting a state for. tax An write earlier off for to the Mall of America, and the B Line which connects Uptown Minneapolis to contain that language. downtown St. Paul. volunteer drivers but the final bill did not The 2020 bonding bill set a new precedent Through implementing the A Line busway, Metro Transit has proven fast, General Obligation (GO) bonds. Previously, frequent, and comfortable transit service theby finally legislature breaking had thebeen $1 hesitant billion markto go inabove can improve ridership in a cost-effective manner. The D and B line projects will be implemented in high ridership corridors $999 million and pass a bill totaling more carrying over 35,000 average daily than $1 billion. This year, they agreed to $1.3 passengers, yielding faster travel times, billion in GO bonds, along with $300 million increased ridership, and enhanced access in trunk highway bonds, $147.4 million in to destinations through the metro area. –appropriations a new record forbonds a bonding and $38.779 bill. million in The bill includes: general fund cash for a total of $1.878 billion Bonding bills require a 3/5ths vote rather than a simple majority so bipartisan support • B and D lines: $55 million was needed. In the House, at least six GOP votes were needed if all the DFLers voted for • Greater Minnesota Transit: $2 million the bill. million • Northfield Regional Transit Hub: $1.75 3 Legislative Report
MMB has also looked forward to the following budget period, which will run • Electric Vehicle Support: $2 million from mid-2021 to mid-2023 and foresees an
• Safe Routes to School: $3 million made to current taxes and current spending million betweenadditional now $4.7 and billion next hole summer. if no changes are • Rogers Bike/Pedestrian Project: $2.2 We haven’t seen immediate cuts, partly
million billion rainy day fund. But it can’t be spent • Shakopee Bike/Pedestrian Project: $2 bothbecause to resolve the state the also current has built budget’s up a shortfall$2.36
million. the legislature have been urging Governor • Hastings Bike/Pedestrian Project: $1.5 Walzand the to startnext budget’smaking budget deficit. cuts Republicans now to in MPTA looks forward to working with when the next Legislature convenes in for Greater Minnesota transit will be January.ease the difficulty of balancing the budget distributed.OTAT on how the $2 million in funds For transit systems, the reliance on an MPTA will be gearing up for what annual general fund appropriation makes promises to be a challenging 2021 future budgets uncertain. In addition, the statutory dedication of the sales tax on pandemic has dramatically changed the leased motor vehicles (MVLST) could be stateLegislative funding Session. picture The from COVID-19 where it was back in February of this year. the projection in the May forecast of a dramaticat risk with drop a major (50%) budget in MVST, deficit. that Whiledrop There has been some better news lately. did not materialize, which is good news for In the calendar quarter from July to all transit systems since MVST has become the largest source of funding for all transit million more than what was predicted in systems. September, tax collections have been $593 predicted. While the numbers are a little We will all be anxiously awaiting the release betterMay. That’s — half 12.7 a billion percent dollars higher better than —was of the November forecast to get more
Last February, Minnesota Management and the performance of MVST in recent andthe state Budget still projected has a large the deficit state wouldto resolve. end months.definitive estimates for the budget shortfall its current two-year budget period, in Of course, the outcome of the 2020 elections The May, 2020 update erased the surplus will also have a major impact on the level of June of 2021, with a $1.5 billion surplus. support for transit systems. The governor is not up for re-election, but both House and and replaced it with a $2.4 billion deficit. Senate members are up. The DFL has a 16- vote majority in the House and the control of that body is not expected to change. 4 Legislative Report
The GOP has the majority in the Senate but with a margin of three votes. Account (MTA) of the Highway Trust Fund Control of the Senate could change and to• Deposits ensure that $3.2 the billion MTA in will the not Mass run Transit out of that would give the DFL control over funds and FTA will be able to process grants both bodies of the legislature and the
•in Extends the upcoming the authorization fiscal year; andfor transit- Federalgovernor’s Legislative office. Action oriented development (TOD) projects for Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing (RRIF) loans and loan guarantees ContinuingOn the last dayAppropriations of the federal Act, fiscal 2021 (which expires September 30, 2020) to andyear, Other Congress Extensions passed ActH.R. to 8337, prevent September 30, 2021. a federal government shutdown and continue current appropriations through While talks have been on again and off again December 11, 2020. In addition, the bill for months, it appears that another stimulus includes a one-year extension of the package with funding for transit will not surface transportation authorization act be passed prior to the election. The House – the FAST Act. This keeps federal funds for transit available to states at current billion in additional transit funding but the funding levels. Senatepassed didthe notHEROES take upAct the in Maybill. withThe Senate $32 has developed its own stimulus funding Division B of the bill, the Surface proposals at a much smaller scale, but those Transportation Program Extension, plans did not contain any additional funding for transit and were not taken up by the transit investment and includes several House. criticalauthorizes public at least transit $12.6 priorities: billion for public On September 21, 2020, the House • Authorizes public transit funding for FY 2021 at amounts equal to the FY 2020 Transportation to Care Act”, by voice vote. authorization as provided by the FAST Thepassed bill H.R. adds 3935, Non-Emergency the “Protecting Medical Patients Transportation (NEMT) to the list of funds in the same manner as the prior year;Act (P.L. 114-94) and distributes the current Medicaid NEMT regulations. In mandated Medicaid benefits by codifying the bill requires the Centers for Medicare across-the-board cut of FY 2021 transit &addition Medicaid to mandatingServices (CMS) the NEMT to convene benefit, a formula• Prevents funds a $6 to billion each public(or 60 transitpercent) stakeholder working group to focus on agency by prohibiting application of the Medicaid program integrity issues, and other Rostenkowski Test; challenges in providing NEMT services.
5 Legislative Report
The legislation also mandates that the 4. A county with low population density, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services assess the guidance that square mile, based on Census data. CMS provides to states on the federal defined as having no more than 20 people per requirements for NEMT. Furthermore, With so much at stake, MPTA will be working closely with lawmakers at both the state and for providing NEMT services. Finally, federal levels to advocate for needed funds to theH.R. bill 3935 requires includes the driver Government requirements keep transit systems operating and growing into the future. nationwide study on NEMT coverage to identifyAccountability safeguards Office to to prevent conduct fraud a and abuse in the program.
In August, U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) introduced bipartisan legislation to improve public transportation in certain rural communities across the country. The Investments in Rural Transit Act would increase the federal share to eighty percent for operating assistance in certain areas with high transit dependency. For a transit project to qualify, it must serve a county that meets one of the following criteria:
which1. An “area at least of persistent20% of the poverty,” population has liveddefined in povertyby the Census during as the a countymost recent in 30-year period.
2. A county with many older Americans, where at least 25% of residents are over
3.the A age county of sixty- with five.healthcare shortages,
Shortage Area (HPSA) by the Health Resourcesdefined as &a HealthServices Professional Administration (HRSA). 6 2020 Minnesota Public Transit Conference and Expo
Thank you to everyone who joined us this year both online and in-person! Join us next year in Duluth for a joint Public Transit conference with Minnesota & Wisconsin!
Mark your calendars! October 4-6, 2021 at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center
Presentations from the conference are available on our website as well as recordings of almost every session.
Simply click on the presentation or recording you’d like to view! Check them out here: https://www.mpta-transit.org/ event/2020-minnesota-public-transit- conference
Our online Expo is also still available on our website here: https://www.mpta-transit.org/expo
7 2020 Minnesota Public Transit Conference and Expo
Thank you to all vendors and sponsors who supported us in-person and remotely! Thank you to our sponsors
Gold • Cummins • Proterra • Ecolane • Q’Straint • First Transit • TAPTCO • Gillig • TripSpark • MnDOT RTAP • North Central Bus & Equipment
Silver • A&J Mobility • PCTrans • ARBOC • Routematch by Uber
Bronze • APTA/ TCRP • Hoglund Bus Company • SRF Consulting Group • Optibus • Wendel • Safety Vision • WSB Be sure to check out the virtual booths online here! Get information about products and services and how to contact these vendors Vendors include: • 11 Wells Spirits • InterMotive Vehicle Controls • A&J Mobility • LHB • Luminator Technology Group • APTA/TCRP • MC Tool & Safety • ARBOCAltro Transflor • MnDOT RTAP • BAE Systems • MORryde • BraunAbility • North Central Bus & • BYD Equipment • Connixt, Inc. • Optibus • Creative Bus Sales • PCTrans • Cummins • Pro Air LLC • Ecolane • Proterra • First Transit • Rosco Vision Systems • Freedman Seating • RouteMatch by Uber Company • Safe Fleet • Safety Vision • Telin Transportation Group • Walker • Gillig • SRF Consulting • THINK Graphic Design Consultants • HoglundGerflor Bus Co. • Superior Tech PPE • TripSpark • Wendel • TAPTCO • Voith Turbo • WSB Join us next year, Ocotber 4-6 in Duluth, MN for a joint conference with Wisconsin! 8 2020 Transit Awards
Congratulations to all of our award winners this year! Check out the Awards Video on our website here!
Metro Transit Employees accepting their awards 2020 Award Winners Distinguished Career: Dave Jacobson, SouthWest Transit Carla Montgomery, Duluth Transit Authority
Transit Professional of the Year: Cathleen Amick, United Community Action Partnership Brian Funk, Metro Transit
Transit System of the Year: Rochester Public Transit Management Innovation: Metro Transit for their Transit Assistance Program. This program allows lower income residents to use a
Go- To Card. bus or train for just $1 per ride with a Minnesota Bus Operator of the Year: Melanie Benson, Metro Transit 9 Thank you to our 2020 Vendor Members!
Thank you to our 2020 Vendor Members for continuing to support not only MPTA but transit as an essential service all over the state of Minnesota during this unpredictable year. 2020 Vendor Members:
• A&J Mobility • Alexander Dennis Inc. • American Seating Company • Creative Bus Sales • CTS Software • Ecolane • First Transit • • Hoglund Bus & Truck Vendor Member Benefits: Gerflor USA • Kelderman Air Ride Suspension • Vendor members and transit systems will • LHB, Inc. be published on our website to show off your • MORRYDE International Inc. commitment to transit needs in our state. • North Central Bus & Equipment • Optibus • Opportunities to sponsor and attend • PCTrans events such as the Minnesota Public Transit Conference and Bus Roadeo for training. • Proterra • Q’Straint • The option to attend events both online • Rosco Vision Systems and in-person to meet transit professionals, • Rousch CleanTech learn about the latest developments • Routematch Software impacting transit and more. • Safety Vision • Information on transit happenings through • Safe Fleet Bus & Rail our InTransit newsletter, social media and • Schmitty and Sons Transit more. Your company can also be featured in • Telin Transportation Group, LLC our newsletter. • USSC Group • Walker Parking Consultants • The ability to advocate for transit needs • Wendel Companies levels. with elected officials at the state and federal There’s still time! Become a 2020 Vendor Member here. SMART Transit Delivered over 62,000 meals
Back in mid-March, SMART Transit wanted overnight to lack of volunteers, everyone to offer assistance where it could in pulled together and made it happen. In communities. This was at the beginning some cases, there were some extremely long of the pandemic in the United States, and days and some hard work put in, but overall SMART wanted to use their resources to we overcame everything that was thrown at support those in need, but this time it would us,” Kuchera said. look a bit different from what they are used to - transporting people to where they need The meal deliveries were done with 2,000 to go. They would be helping to deliver plus hours worked and over 15,000 miles meals to the food-insecure and those in need. which meals were delivered on. driven, all over the course of 100 days, 70 of This all started with some emails sent out to many of SMART’s partners in the different in many ways – we were able to give seniors communities they serve. SMART was able to an“Without opportunity a doubt to thisstay helped in their the homes community more arrange some level of meal delivery to three which allowed them to stay safe and healthy. different counties. A portion of the meals delivered were from local restaurants which were purchased from local company Hormel Foods (250 situations, from route design to planning meals each day of the week) so this helped who“We handledwould take the each logistics route,’ in nearlysaid SMART’s all of the local businesses during a time of need,” Transit Manager Kirk Kuchera. Kuchera said.
Volunteer drivers were even used to help On two different days, SMART buses deliver to some communities. delivered over 2,000 meals to seniors each day, and at one point had 12 buses delivering meals at once spanning three different opportunity to stay busy and keep them counties. working,“Delivering but meals more offered importantly, our drivers it continued a great At one point the local news station, KIMT3 to give them a sense of purpose and allowed News, was even covering SMART Transit’s them to continually help those in their great act of kindness. communities, some of which they have come to know over the years,” Kuchera said. Now, SMART is continuing to offer limited support to one of the local programs by SMART Transit staff contributed to the delivering to the most vulnerable and delivery of over 62,000 meals, with SMART disabled with one bus since most programs buses delivering well over 55,000 meals have their delivery systems back in place alone. or are offering a new model that includes curbside pick-up. The meal delivery process wasn’t all easy, though. Those interested in assisting in the effort to help the food-insecure can contact their local United Way or senior centers to see if adding 200+ people to a delivery program volunteer opportunities are available. 11 “There were definitely challenges – from St. Cloud Metro Bus Innovates for Safety
At St. Cloud Metro Bus, the safety of Article Submitted by customers and employees is the number developing several programs as part of an Nate Ramacher one priority at all times. Metro Bus’s AccidentBeginning Reduction in FY2017, Package. Metro Bus The began combined Marketing and mission to provide safe, friendly, reliable effects of these programs produced the Communications public transportation services means desired results of continually reducing Manager constantly working to reduce accidents. accident totals over the following years. St. Cloud Metro Bus Using innovative technologies and programs, Metro Bus reduced preventable Remedial Training As part of the Accident Reduction Package, (Oct. - Sept.) to just 22* in FY2020, a the Metro Bus Operations and Training & reductionaccidents fromof over a total 50%! of 45 in FY2017 Safety Departments implemented a remedial training process based on Operators’ history Their team-led, performance-driven and or step in the discipline process. This reminds employee-minded approach produced Operators of Metro Bus’s expectations and sustainable results and improved service, facilitates them receiving the attention of further positioning Metro Bus as an elite training staff, practicing proper driving transportation provider in the State of protocol and working on correcting their Minnesota. These efforts ensure the safety habits or behavior at each level. and success of employees and allows Metro Bus to provide safe transportation Vehicle Back-Up Procedure to the residents of Central Minnesota. of preventable accidents in the Mero Bus Preventable Accident Numbers paratransitIn both FY2017 division and (Dial-a-Ride)FY2018, over resulted60% from Operators not inspecting the area behind Annual Preventable Accidents their bus prior to backing up. St. Cloud Metro Bus Bus team began work on a 50 VehicleIn early Back-UpFY2018, Procedure.the Metro 45 This procedure required 45 38 (CDL licensed employee or 33 anthe employee use of a certified trained spotterin hand 40 30 motions and appropriate
backup methods) or required 25 22 35 a complete walk-around 20 prior to moving a vehicle in a FY2017 FY2018 FY2019 FY2020 backward motion. Preventable Accidents
employees of potential additionalThis procedure consequences also notified if they did not follow the procedure. 12 St. Cloud Metro Bus Innovates for Safety
Article Submitted by Nate Ramacher Dial-a-Ride accidents due Marketing and toIn employeesFY2019, preventable not checking Communications behind their vehicle prior to Manager moving in a backward motion St. Cloud Metro Bus decreased to 40%, a 26% reduction from the previous year!
Accident Review Committee Accident Board
created an Accident Review Bus garage providing a visual cue to help employees Committee.In FY2018, Metro This committee Bus beIn FY2018,more attentive a digital to board the number was installed of days inpassed the Metro consists of a Street Supervisor since a preventable accident occurred. This increases (a different Supervisor than communication and awareness and creates positive, the one who responded to friendly competition and cooperation. the accident), an Operations Newsletter Manager and a member of the Each month, Training & Safety Department. employees are Creating a team to review provided with a each accident produces a breakdown of the thorough, objective evaluation total accidents of each accident to determine that occurred the preventability. This also allows previous month. This for varied perspectives and includes preventable provides all-around feedback accidents, non- so employees are aware of all preventable accidents and a brief description of each areas of needed improvement. type of accident. This allows employees to always know overall performance from the prior month and Operator Training Activities encourages continual improvement. (OTAs) Each year, Metro Bus Metro Bus continues to strive for the ultimate goal Operators are required to of zero accidents. CEO Ryan I. Daniel shares the attend OTAs consisting of two hours of classroom training Bus, we recognize how crucial it is to reduce accidents and two hours of behind inimportance order to keep of continuous our passengers, improvement, staff and “At equipment Metro the wheel assessment and safe. We have achieved great gains over the last several practical application. This years and still have many miles to go to be 100% allows employees to refresh accident free!” their skills and have a member of the Training & Safety staff *Service was reduced to approximately half of pre-COVID levels provide encouragement, for about two months in FY2020, potentially affecting total support and advice. accident numbers. 13 Big Updates at Rolling Hills Transit
Rolling Hills Transit has been taking some big strides while still coping with the pandemic.
Most recently they had four big updates as they continue to grow.
1. Acquired two transfer buses. The long wait to get new buses during the pandemic, not only from funding issues, but Rolling Hills Transit Buses courtesy of also from product and part delays has taken Melinda Fields its toll on everyone. Rolling Hills is happy to announce that they have acquired two this and will be taking calls from all over MN transfer buses. from“Our Volunteerriders who Driver are COVID Program positive is heading or have COVID symptoms and need to get to medical appointments,” Fields said. during this time when there has been such “We are very excited to have (the buses) a long wait for new buses,” said Operations Their dispatcher will then call the STS Manager Melinda Fields. provider for the area to arrange a ride for the client. 2. Three Expansion routes coming soon Similar to bus parts and bus deliveries Many transit and transportation organizations slowing to a crawl, months ago many have been searching for systems willing to systems were cutting down on routes with help with the transportation of COVID positive the pressure of the pandemic. patients during the current pandemic, making this not only an important update for the Not anymore! Rolling Hills Transit is opening system, but a great service to all Minnesota three expansions. They include the Preston/ communities. Harmony area, one in Kasson and one in Caledonia. They will be ordering buses for 4. Growth, jobs and more. these route expansions soon. Rolling Hills Transit is still growing.
But the biggest of their updates is what they With this comes more needs that must be met are doing not only for their community, but and the opportunity for more jobs. The transit all of Minnesota. system recently hired a Fleet & Facilities Specialist to help with day to day operations 3. The Greater MN COVID-19 Dispatching as they grow their routes, bus numbers, what project they do to help their community and more. Rolling Hills Transit has taken on the Greater Keep up the great work Rolling Hills Transit! We are all learning and growing with one MN COVID-19 Dispatching project. What does this mean? another, and it is always great to see a system leading the way for others. 14 Featured Industry Members
Optibus - A Technology Pioneer
Optibus is a cutting-edge software platform that brings much-needed innovation to the essential mobility mode at the heart of our cities: public transportation. Optibus leverages around the world, planning and scheduling the movement of vehicles and drivers to improve intelligence, advanced optimization the quality and reliability of transit service and algorithmsa robust combination and distributed of artificial cloud computing to make public transportation smarter, better and Optibusmake operations has been morerecognized efficient. by the World Economic Forum as a Technology Pioneer freedom of movement and sustainable cities.more efficient – and ultimately nourish in(2020) New andYork, by Chicago, Gartner Seattle, as a Cool San Vendor Francisco, (2018). A cloud-native SaaS company founded LondonIt is headquartered and São Paulo. in Tel Aviv and has offices in 2014, Optibus powers complex (www.optibus.com | [email protected]) transit operations in over 300 cities
Transit is for Everybody
Routematch by Uber is a proud supporter of the transit community and MPTA. We believe accessibility, mobility, Routematch by Uber brings together our and spontaneity are achievable for every decades of experience serving public transit rider, and our goal is to build mobility agencies, with expanded rider reach and ecosystems that leave no person behind. awareness, and excellent user experience. Our It is our mission to develop human vision is to meet transit agencies where they are, solutions that focus on people and be mindful of rider preferences, and work with agencies to bring best in class technologies. This agencies and their riders. combination holds exciting opportunities for the deliver flexible and scalable tools to transit industry, which will include innovative One important tool we offer agencies new service models, while combining existing ones in new ways. Together, we blend powerful collection, which social distancing technology with genuine service, connecting guidelinestoday is automated is making “contactless” more relevant fare transit agencies to their future and riders to than ever. It provides riders and their opportunities. Because when everyone their loved ones greater convenience has access to transportation, individuals, and safety, and also gives agencies communities, and societies thrive. We look tools to streamline reporting and forward to working with you and ask and hope administration. Future pay capabilities that you will help shape this journey with us. are also emerging to further improve fare operations. 15 SouthWest Transit increased express bus service to Downtown Minneapolis and U of M
Article Submitted by: express bus service to Downtown John Haggenmiller MinneapolisOn Sept 8th we and began the University our increased of Marketing and Public Minnesota Campus. We currently have Outreach SouthWest Transit begin at 5:30 am and run in 15-minute frequencies.17 routes to downtownEight of the Minneapolis morning routes that make two stops at the U of M – Anderson Hall (West Bank) and Oak & Delaware. We re-opened the Carver Station last month and have four morning routes leaving that facility.
SW Prime, our local/on-demand ride Photo Submitted by SouthWest Transit service recently expanded to now include with additional buses ready to deploy if Normandale Community College. SW passenger counts get close to max. As an Prime can be booked by phone or the added layer of passenger protection, SWT downloadable app and rides to campus is installing plexiglass seat separators in all can be booked up to 3-days in advance. SW the express service buses. These barriers Prime is a curb to curb, on-demand ride on the front and backs of seats, coupled like that of Lyft & Uber and can bring you with our staggered row seating creates anywhere you need to go. Prime operates more of a self-contained individual riding in Eden Prairie, Chanhassen, Chaska, compartment. Carver, & Victoria. SW Prime reservations are taken from 6:30am – 6:30pm M-F. Giving back to the communities we serve has always been a top priority for this Since the start of the pandemic, we agency. Since early April, SWT has been continue to do everything possible working with PROP Foods & Bountiful to provide safe environments for all Basket to help deliver foods to those passengers and employees. All employees who cannot easily access the food shelf. are masked with temperatures checked Both have worked out to be wonderful every day. Stations are cleaned and partnerships and the result speaks for sanitized multiple times daily and itself. buses are sprayed hydrostatically with all touchpoints wiped after every route. The buses have state-of-the-art
maintained regularly. We are following allonboard CDC guidelines air filtration regarding systems safe that social are
passengerdistancing capacity– Stations is havelimited been on outfitted all buses with distance markers on floors and 16 Arrowhead modernizing its web presence
The improvements of the new website begin By Tony Potter way. In today’s day and age, a website with a home page that will feature four Marketing & A great first impression goes a long drop-down menus and several tiles to easily Public Relations customer base. navigate through the website. An updated Coordinator is a business’s first chance to build its Arrowhead Transit Arrowhead is in the process of breaking news banner located at the top offeature the page. of that This page will will be usedbe an to identifiable inform website in several years. The update riders of route changes and other important willdeveloping provide and the designingwebsite with its first a fresh, new information. There will also be a variety modern feel while making it user- of helpful links at the bottom of the home friendly. It’s expected to be launched in page. late fall to early winter. Potential and current riders will be able Recent feedback that Arrowhead to learn more about the history, mission staff has received from visitors of and goals of Arrowhead on the newly the current arrowheadtransit.com is incorporated about us page. The contact page will be revamped to include a contact to navigate. During the past several form, as well as clickable links to make a months,that it’s blocky, strong outdatedefforts have and been difficult made phone call or send an email. to remedy all of those issues.
17 Arrowhead modernizing its web presence
By Tony Potter The email link will be available to all When a user clicks on a particular Marketing & users while the phone call feature is service area, the map will zoom in to Public Relations only available when using a smartphone. highlight what routes are available in Coordinator that area. It will also include a listing Arrowhead Transit The employment opportunities landing of all route times and bus fares. This differs immensely from the current now” button that redirects to the website where route maps are only Arrowheadpage will list Economic all jobs with Opportunity an “apply available by opening PDFs of the Agency’s (AEOA) career opportunities brochures. website. There will also be a contact form for potential applicants seeking Adding a modern feel to the website is more info regarding job openings. important to Arrowhead. A news feed from Arrowhead Transit’s Facebook Both the county schedules menu and page will be showcased on various landing page will feature links to all pages throughout the website. An eight counties currently served by entirely new feature to the website will Arrowhead. Each link will bring users to be the addition of a YouTube widget to showcase the bus company’s recent including its respective route info and commercials and other informational printablea landing pagebrochures. for that specific county, videos.
Information about Arrowhead’s To further make the website user- services, which include Dial-A-Ride, friendly, it will be both Americans with Scheduled Rides and the Volunteer Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant and Driving Program, may be accessed from have a language translator. the services tab located at the top right of the homepage. More features may be added to the website before it’s launched. That tab will redirect users to a landing page listing three tiles, one for each The website modernization team continues to monitor and review the service, simply click on the appropriate development of the new website to tileservice. to be To brought learn more to a landing about a page specific ensure it provides all the necessary featuring details about that service. information to current and potential riders. The biggest upgrade perhaps will be that of the maps. Accessible by the Look for the new website to launch in late 2020. An announcement will be an interactive map of Minnesota’s made on Arrowhead’s social media Arrowhead“route maps” Region button will on appear.the homepage, The map pages prior to the launch. will have markers identifying each city and/or county served by Arrowhead. 18 DTA Partners with Local Stakeholders on Traffic Signal Priority Rollout
Article submitted by: The Duluth Transit Authority (DTA) David Clark recently announced some exciting new Director of changes along a section of Grand Avenue Marketing in the western service corridor. Several Duluth Transit Authority Signalsignals Priority between (TSP) Carlton devices. Street TSP and helps 59th keepAvenue buses West on have time been by situationally fitted with Transit extending a green light for buses or shortening the length of a red light. This process is accomplished through communication between on-board bus
technology and stationary traffic signals. In addition to this TSP component are this project because it will improve travel a series of bus stop changes along this time“We arefor verythousands excited of about passengers the benefits daily inof current bus stops and better positioned Engineering, the City of Duluth, and the section of Grand Ave. The DTA removed five MinnesotaWest Duluth.” Department “We want ofto Transportation thank Alliant for their contributions to making this setanother of changes five to was improve rolled efficiency out on Monday, and take happen,” remarked Phil Pumphrey, DTA Octoberfurther advantage 12th and hasof the been TSP met benefits. with This General Manager. positive feedback by stakeholders in the market.
The TSP project kicks off a full slate of system improvements planned over the coming months. Other notable items include mobile trip planning and payments, farebox upgrades, a COA initiative, and added passenger amenities. All this follows a recent successful rollout of driver protective barriers, which were installed
concerns and the general safety of DTA bus operatorsearlier this moving fall to address forward. covid-19
File Photo Courtesy of DTA Facebook page 19 Tri-CAP’s new Facility in Little Falls
Tri-CAP’s new transit facility in Little Falls is expected to be completed around February 2021.
The Little Falls facility project has been in the planning stages for approximately 5 years. conceptual design as well as with MnDOT to meet“After capital working procurement with architects requirements, on the the project was moved forward by the Tri-CAP The construction site for the new Little Board of Directors for proposed construction Falls Facility. Photo Courtesy of Tri-CAP. in 2020. The footprint consists of a six-stall
Director of Transportation Services, Amy This new facility will help Tri-CAP to Christensen.bus garage with connected office space,” said achieve their goals in numerous ways.
The facility was created because the one the City of Little Falls is one of the busier Tri-CAP currently operates out of in the Little locationsMorrison Tri-CAPCounty and,Transportation more specifically, serves. Falls location is less than satisfactory.
with a river that divides the City and and provide an adequate environment for two“Having bridges unique that geographic connect the features East and staff“In order to perform to properly their houseinspection, agency driving, vehicles West sides, make for complex scheduling needs. Complicated by rail that also runs conducive to bus operations is needed,” through the City, and an expansive 10- Christensenand office duties, said. a physical plant that is mile radius, the Dispatch team works to meet the on-time needs of the passengers This new place is different from other under unpredictable circumstances. Tri- transit facilities in that the design takes CAP has long partnered with Morrison into consideration training and growth County for both public transit and opportunities, as well as innovative volunteer driver needs and continues to technologies that connect this location to Tri- respond to the emerging transit needs of CAP’s main hub in Waite Park. that region,” Christensen said.
Christensen believes that a new facility location will offer stronger connectivity and that protects the buses from the elements opportunities“In consideration to further of future advance transit technology, needs, this streamline operations, and restore and create opportunities to continue respondingwill promote to longevity expansion of needsthe fleet in that said. region. confidence in public transit,” Christensen 20 Tri-Valley Assists Thief River Falls Area Food Shelf
Since May, Tri-Valley Transit has been During the pandemic they altered their teaming up with the Thief River Falls Area Rider Policy to require riders to wear Food Shelf to help in delivering CFSP (NAPS) masks and to social distance on the buses. boxes to the community both in Thief River They did provide masks on the buses but Falls and rural families. it took some time to receive them from a manufacturer. Tri-Valley limited the Tri-Valley is working with the Director, Alice number of riders to 4 on Class 400 buses Hunt, of the Thief River Falls Area Food Shelf so they could social distance. They also to receive the monthly list of deliveries. Tri- provided disinfectant wipes along with Valley dispatch then schedules and sets up bleach/water solution and disinfectant the route for their 1 or 2 drivers to make the sprays for the bus drivers to continue to deliveries. sanitize the buses on a daily basis. The buses were thoroughly cleaned by the maintenance department on a weekly a problem that (there) was too many basis. “The idea to start this was to help solve said Lizzie Vedbraaten, the transit route They plan to continue some if not all of coordinator.delivery requests brought on by COVID-19,” these measures after the pandemic ends since this addressed a community need this problem and I said yes I think we can that will probably not go away after the help“When with talking that.” with Alice one day she voiced pandemic.
boxes of food. During May and June Tri-Valley delivered 80 to“Tri-Valley provide transitTransit service staff have throughout been ourvery communities. resilient and flexible The staff in hasworking done we are able to reach more people with an excellent job. They have been very the“This Thief service River helps Food the Shelf community and T.H.E in Bus that caring and willing to do what it takes to working together in delivering the CFSP get people in touch with basic needs and services,” Vedbraaten said. talking with the drivers, Gary Anenson and Dean(NAPS) Lubitz, boxes,” they Vedbraaten both stated said. how “When it makes Tri Valley Transit’s mission is to enhance them feel as though they are a bigger part of the economic, social and environmental the community that they serve as they are health of the communities they serve able to give back.” by providing public transportation services for everyone that are safe, The food delivery isn’t the only thing that reliable, accessible and affordable. More has changed with Tri-Valley since the information can be found on their website beginning of the pandemic. Like many other at https://www.trivalleytransit.org/. transit facilities, they have had to adapt with the challenges.
21 St. Cloud Metro Bus Announces Participation in APTA Health and Safety Commitment Program
Metro Bus announced Wednesday The Health and Safety Commitments that it has joined the American Public Program was developed after asking Transportation Association’s (APTA) transit users from across the country what measures would make them feel more the public transportation industry’s overarching“Health and Safetypledge Commitments to passengers Program,”that public transit systems are taking all the confident riding public transportation necessary measures to operate safely as areasamid concernstransit systems about COVID-19.need to address From tothis research, the industry identified four key pandemic. the nation recovers from the COVID-19 •earn Following customers’ public confidence: health guidelines from The health and safety of passengers and Bus Operators is the most important • Cleaning and disinfecting transit vehicles priority for Metro Bus. Since the beginning frequentlyofficial sources and requiring face coverings of the pandemic, Metro Bus has worked and other protections tirelessly to keep customers safe from • Keeping passengers informed and infection from the coronavirus on all empowered to choose the safest times and services including Fixed Route, Dial-a- routes to ride Ride, ConneX and Northstar Link. By signing on to the APTA Health and Safety customers and employees to avoid public Commitments Program with more than transit• Putting if theyhealth have first been by requiring exposed to 200 other public transit systems, Metro Bus and the public transit industry are MetroCOVID-19 Bus orpledges feel ill to meet these in customers that it is committed to protectingactively working them. to instill confidence that are effective for our system, our customerscommitments and by our creating community. specific A key policies component of the Health and Safety Commitments Program is the shared responsibility of our system and our customers to follow the guidelines.
22 St. Cloud Metro Bus Announces Participation in APTA Health and Safety Commitment Program
Customers rely on us to follow these commitments, and Metro Bus relies on customers to protect themselves and others.
safety of everyone who is connected“We are committed to our service to the including health and passengers, employees and other members of the general public. APTA’s Health and Safety Commitments Program helps direct our efforts to St. Cloud Metro Bus Fixed Route buses entering CNG Fueling Station. Photo Mission, which is to provide safe, reliable Courtesy of St. Cloud Metro Bus andaccomplish friendly the public first transportation directive of our services,” Metro Bus CEO Ryan I. Daniel But getting there requires us to win back our said. ridership and encourage new riders to view public transit as a preferred mobility choice. Metro Bus is committed to continually We believe this commitment program will addressing and implementing pillars of help do this.” the Health and Safety Commitments Program. Current efforts include: public transportation industry’s pledge to • Updates to our cleaning procedures to promote“The program being launched today is the increase effectiveness. sensible policies and practices designed to • Ongoing installation of Bus Operator keep transit users and transit employees shields to create a safety barrier at fareboxes. • Implementation of social distancing asafe logical during extension the COVID-19 of the innovation crisis,” said and APTA and mask wearing recommendations for commitmentPresident and we CEO have Paul been P. Skoutelas. demonstrating “It is customers and for the past several months – and it makes requirements for all employees. emergency funding that much more urgent andthe need critical.” for at least $32 billion in additional industry is making to all those we serve now“This and program to those is a who commitment we look forward that this to serving,” said Nuria I. Fernandez, APTA Chair, and General Manager and CEO of Santa Clara Valley Transportation
will be vital to the social and economic recoveryAuthority. of “Public our nation. transportation is and 23 Rainbow Rider Celebrates 25 Years
Rainbow Rider is celebrating 25 years of service this year.
In 25 years, Rainbow Rider has employed
employed. 45 county commissioners have 170 people with 50 currently still Transit Directors have been employed withheld athem, place and on theirthey weretransit assisted board, byfive four MnDOT Project Managers. File Photo courtesy of Rainbow Rider Of those people, Brenda Brittin, their current director, has worked with them As a 5311 rural transit system, Rainbow for 22 of their 25 years, starting as a Rider provides service in Douglas, Grant, bookkeeper and later appointed to the Pope, Stevens, Todd and Traverse counties. Rainbow Rider currently has facilities in Lowry, where their administrative and Director position in 2018. shop are stationed, as well as Alexandria and It all began on September 18, 1995. Longdispatch Prairie. offices They along also with have its one maintenance vehicle in than 3,500 miles looking to pick up its both Morris and Wheaton. “The first Rainbow Rider Bus put on more In the 25 years they have been in service Sincefirst passenger,” then, Rainbow Brittin Rider said. has provided over 3 million rides which has helped them of those provided by a volunteer driver) they have owned 90 vehicles and provided approximately 3,291,188 rides (80,216 needs of residents in Douglas, Grant, Pope, miles. Stevens,fulfill their Todd, mission and Traverse to meet transportation Counties. while driving approximately 15,273,417 The transit company is dedicated to the highest quality of customer service delivered Rainbow Rider’s first budget application with a sense of warmth, friendliness, to MnDOT for 1995 projected operating individual pride, and company spirit. expenses of $211,850 and revenues of $25,000 with 24,500 anticipated rides, It’s been an eventful 25 years for Rainbow but only actually provided 7,638 that first Rider and their expansion within the year using 9 transit buses. counties they serve. Here’s to another 25 budget with projected operating expenses more. “Today, we are operating on a two-year
transitof $7,493,917 buses,” andBrittin revenues said. of $1,135,882 with 350,000 anticipated rides using 38
24 In-Transit Join the 2021 Roadeo Upcoming Committee! Events: The 2021 Roadeo Committee is 2021 Roadeo humbly asking for volunteers to be Details Coming Soon... on our planning committee. Help us to make our event great and fun for everyone. 2021 Minnesota Public Transit Joint • Vote on what you want to see in our roadeo. • Help us brainstorm ideas, meet new Conference with sponsors, and more. Wisconsin • Voice your opinion. Oct. 4-6, 2021 • Great for a resume and experience planning Duluth Entertainment events and working with transit professionals. Convention Center Details Coming Soon... Interested? Send us an email at [email protected]
Contact Us: Have a story for us? Stay up to date with MPTA. Want to nominate Follow our social media Director?” @MNPublicTransit Reachsomeone out for to us“Meet here: the Katie Leibel Program Manager