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"Our over-reliance on cars and $4-per-gallon gasoline has led us to dig a really deep hole for ourselves. The Purple Line is the ladder that helps us climb up out of this hole toward the light of rational land use, friendly commutes and a stable climate." Mike Tidwell, director of CCAN |  |
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Project Similar To Purple Line January, 2007 The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) granted approval for the Twin Cities to move forward with preliminary engineering of the Central Corridor Light Rail project in December. Like the Purple Line, this proposed 11 mile line connects major activity centers including a State University. Preliminary ridership estimates are 38,100 weekday riders in 2020 and 43,300 in 2030 at a cost of $930 million. These ridership numbers are lower than those previously released by MTA for the Purple Line, but updated ridership estimates for both projects will be developed as design proceeds. The Twin Cities line is anticipated to have 16 new stations in addition to five shared with the existing Hiawatha line which runs through downtown Minneapolis. End to end travel time for the 11 miles is projected to be 35 minutes. While FTA approved continued planning for this project, the project planners were told that some features of the proposal may need to be scaled back – most notably the extent of tunneling. The local jurisdictions will need to look closely at this if the project is to be eligible for construction funds. If cost-effectiveness concerns are addressed, construction of the project could go forward in 2010. Discussions are under way in the region and State of Minnesota about how to generate additional revenue to support transit expansion. Hennepin County already has a special property tax to support operation of the Hiawatha Line. The County recently proposed a new ˝ cent metro-wide sales tax to help pay for this line and future projects. There is one important difference between the Twin Cities project and the Purple Line. In Minnesota, there is none of the ambiguity that has served to prevent the State of Maryland from getting a healthy share of federal rail money in recent years. The State has a clear planning AND political strategy. In September of 2006, a 13 member Central Corridor Management Committee (CCMC) was named with representation including the Mayors of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Several County Commissioners, a University of Minnesota Vice President and other high level elected or appointed officials. This Committee in term created a Community Advisory Committee. The CAC will meet on a monthly basis, dialoguing with local communities and reporting back to the CCMC. This structure replicates that which successfully moved the Hiawatha Line through planning. That line, which connects downtown Minneapolis, the Mall of America and the region’s international airport, has exceeded ridership projections, encouraging the region to move forward with both the Central Corridor project and a 40 mile Northstar Commuter Rail Line. The Commuter rail project is projected to move into construction this spring with service beginning in 2009. |
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68,000 riders each weekday is huge! Counting down to completion of Purple Line DEIS; Latest news: Latest News; How you can help 
See: We need you to help keep the Purple Line a state and county priority. Write a letter, make a call or send an e-mail in support of the Purple Line today. See: Contact List |
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