2017-03-28_PWETC_Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Thompson opined that the routes were in the right place, but the desire was for more frequent service and a wider span of service. Mr. Thompson reported that the biggest improvement seen recently was in ridership for weekend service to Rosedale Center, as some routes in the past didn't even come into Roseville on weekends (e.g. Route 87) and hours were marginal (e.g. no nights). Mr. Thompson advised that Metro Transit had invested significant resources to expand that service resulting in added ridership. In recent discussions with Rosedale Center related to the Transit Center and sharing performance levels with them on routes and today's added ridership, Mr. Thompson advised that while not considering the Roseville transit system to be wonderful, agreed there were areas for improvement. However, Mr. Thompson also noted that there was no budget available for those enhancements, even though there remained a strong desire to identify where improvements can be made whether or not they can happen immediately. Mr. Thompson opined that it was a valuable exercise to be prepared to implement additional or expanded services when funding became available. PWETC Questions When the PWETC last met jointly with the City Council, Member Lenz noted discussions were held about east/west connectivity through Roseville. As an example, Member Lenz noted that Rote 223 along County Road C only came by every ninety minutes. In listening to tonight's presentation, Member Lenz offered her insights that the former Circulator service would serve the needs of pre- and post -drivers, even though it may not improve service for commuters. However, Member Lenz noted the frustrations in attempting any east/west cross-town connectivity in Roseville, including getting to Rice Street, with buses only running every twenty minutes. Mr. Thompson responded that Metro Transit had just received a federal grant for services on Rice Street to Larpenteur Avenue that should improve the service level from the current thirty minutes. Member Lenz opined that making that connectivity would be well-advised given current tri -city revitalization efforts along the Rice Street/Larpenteur Avenue Corridor. Member Lenz further opined that enhancing transit in conjunction with the three cities and Ramsey County could make a huge impact to those revisioning efforts. Mr. Thompson reported that Metro Transit had most recently looked at the potential to extend the short line route 62A to the west to the proposed new school in St. Paul. While this is only amarginal improvement, Mr. Thompson noted that it could bring service somewhat further. However, one problem reported by Mr. Thompson was that buses were unable to achieve the turn radius of East Larpenteur Avenue to southbound Rice Street, causing them to turn into the left -turning westbound turn bay. Mr. Thompson reported on Metro Transit's interest in and desire to be Page 4 of 14