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As MetroTransit continues their plan to transition to bus service over commuter rail options, they are asking for <br />feedback from cities as explained above. There are a number of contracts, agreements, easements and <br />infrastructure ownership situations they need to work through. When looking specifically at Ramsey, <br />MetroTransit holds an easement on both city owned property and BNSF Railway right of way that long term <br />consideration needs to be given to. As noted above, two main points of consideration have been identified: <br />What does public transportation look like for Ramsey? <br />With the proposed bus route and trip options, it is reasonable to say the service is being expanded from a trip <br />count standpoint. Even when the Northstar Rail was operating at peak trips (pre -pandemic), the number of bus <br />routes exceeds what has been available. One drawback to note is the trip time does increase due to stop locations <br />in comparison to the main travel route of US Hwy 10/169. Does the City Council feel what is proposed is <br />sufficient for available public transportation in Ramsey? <br />What does existing infrastructure look like for Ramsey? <br />As noted, the city envisioned a dedicated pedestrian overpass to the south side of US Hwy 10/169 that utilized <br />existing improvements to the commuter rail stop. Staff have worked to bring this plan to fruition with efforts to <br />complete 90% construction plans in 2018 and to apply for grant funds to construct the remaining portion of the <br />overpass. In 2024, the city was awarded $3.75 million in state funds for the overpass, and currently has requests <br />in for federal Congressionally Directed Spending opportunities with Congressman Emmer, Senator Klobuchar <br />and Senator Smith. If successful, it is reasonable to believe all funding would be secured to construct the <br />overpass. With the transition to bus service, it has been shared that existing infrastructure would likely need to be <br />removed from BNSF right of way. It is unknown at this time what options may be available, but as MetroTransit <br />negotiates with BNSF, there may be an opportunity for some infrastructure to remain. Long-term ownership and <br />responsibility needs to be determined. Does the City Council want staff to continue to work with MetoTransit to <br />maximize what infrastructure remains in place from the current rail stop to be used for a future overpass to the <br />south side of US Hwy 10/169? <br />Is there anything else? <br />The two items above are the most obvious considerations. However, as MetroTransit continues to pursue this <br />transition now is the time to share our desires. <br />Recommendation: <br />N/A <br />Outcome/Action: <br />Provide additional comments on the desires of Ramsey for the replacement bus service, future of the existing rail <br />stop infrastructure and anything else. <br />Northstar Transition MetroTransit Presentation <br />Mississippi Skyway Trail Bridge Graphics <br />2024 State Transportation Appropriation <br />Attachments <br />Form Review <br />Inbox Reviewed By Date <br />Brian Hagen Brian Hagen 05/08/2025 02:49 PM <br />Form Started By: Brian Hagen Started On: 05/05/2025 12:44 PM <br />Final Approval Date: 05/08/2025 <br />