CC_Minutes_2013_0617 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Regular City Council Meeting Monday,June 17, 2013 Page 13 computer assumptions on projected deterioration, but included that field inspec- tion for more accuracy. Mayor Roe reiterated his support of considering what average was best indicated. Metro Transit/Rapid Transit Process/Central Corridor Re-routing of Bus Routes Vice Chair Stenlund reviewed discussions by the PWETC with Metro Transit and their attempts to create a less auto-centric and more community-centric transpor- tation system; with the PWETC's desire to ensure all modes of travel were evalu- ated and/or re-evaluated. Councilmember Laliberte shared her perspective in her attendance at a recent planning meeting for rapid bus transit down Snelling Avenue, with additional community discussions, including when it reached Roseville, probably in con- junction with the City of Falcon Heights, since they shared some bus stops. Responding to Mayor Roe's comment that the route currently stopped at Rosedale, Councilmember Laliberte advised that she had pushed the discussion to question why the route didn't proceed up to Northwestern and Bethel Universi- ties. Councilmember Laliberte advised that rationale of Metro Transit was that there had not been sufficient ridership in the past to support extending that route; however, they reluctantly agreed that they would review it again and if so indicat- ed, could make changes based on future ridership. Councilmember Laliberte noted that Metro Transit seemed quite set in the route ending at Rosedale at this time; however, she noted that their focus was based on the need to renegotiate their transit station lease with Rosedale. Councilmember Laliberte advised that Metro Transit had received significant input from the communities along that route relative to the design of stations, curbing, stops, etc. Mayor Roe opined that the City of Roseville, as a community, needed to continue advocating other transit modes for the Rice Street corridor, along with other adja- cent communities. Mayor Roe noted that it was typical that transit opportunities in Roseville focused on Rosedale; however, he noted that there were a growing number of people passing through Roseville to access both downtown St. Paul and Minneapolis that created significant congestion on Roseville streets. Mayor Roe stated that this needed to be considered to address the quality of life in Rose- ville for its residents. Councilmember McGehee opined that, southbound Rice Street seemed to have a lot of activity toward University Avenue to connect with the light rail system; and suggested Snelling Avenue and Rice Streets would be realistic north/south rapid transit bus routes. Councilmember Laliberte responded that it may be part of Metro Transit's long- term plans.