Metropolitan Sytems Information Statement 1989

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H. Transportation Policy Plan Amendments TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT GUIDE/POLICY PLAN AMENDMENT FOR LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT The Metropolitan Council was required by the 1989 Minnesota Legislature to amend the light rail transit elements of its Transportation Development GuidelPolicy Plan to take into consideration the comprehensive plans and studies that had been conducted by county regional railroad authorities. The primary effects of the amendment are to: Establish a process for the Council to add corridors that meet the performance evaluation measures contained in the plan, upon recommendation of the Regional Transit Board (RTB). Revise the performance evaluation measures and standards for a corridor to be included in the 20-year light rail transit plan, particularly a maximum $4.00 per passenger total cost (annualized capital plus operating costs, including supporting bus service). Require that light rail transit plans include an equitable financial plan that draws on sources consistent with the Metropolitan Development and Investment Framework and the transportation funding principles of the Transportation Development GuidelPolicy Plan;, including a minimum level of regional and/or local financial participation. Require the staging of the regional system within a 20-year time frame, as determined by the RTB in its development and financial plan, to be based primarily on cost-effectiveness and regional/local financial participation, along with implementation opportunities. Require the results of the light rail transit development and financial plan and coordination plan to be reflected in the Regional Transit Board's implementation plan to enhance coordination of light rail and other regional transit services. Clarify the inventory of recommended highway improvements to specifically include light rail transit as a potential improvement in the I-35W corridor south of downtown Minneapolis. In addition, the highway ranking process criterion for increasing people - moving capacity has been revised to include light rail transit as an improvement eligible for points. No specific changes are required in local comprehensive plans as a result of this amendment. However, as stated in the 1989 system statement for transportation, local communities are strongly encouraged to participate with regional railroad authorities and the Regional Transit Board in applicable planning activities. In particular, where LRT service is to be implemented cities should prepare land use plans around stations to maximize the benefits to the city of access to the LRT service and to minimize any incompatibilities.