Alternatives Analysis Update

The Rush Line Corridor Task Force, made up of more than two dozen elected officials from counties and municipalities along the corridor, is undertaking a federal alternatives analysis to examine transit improvements between Hinckley and the Twin Cities.

Rush Line Corridor map

The task force has hired URS to complete the Alternatives Analysis. An Alternatives Analysis is the first phase in the Federal Transit Administration’s New Starts program, which funds new projects and extensions to existing transit systems. In the analysis, different routes (such as I-35/I-35E, Highway 61/County Road 30, and various existing and former freight railroad lines) and modes of transit will be considered and evaluated for their benefits, costs and impacts.
The Task Force will hold a series of public meetings over the next year to discuss transit along the 80-mile corridor from downtown St. Paul to Hinckley. Several bus rapid transit, light rail transit, and commuter rail options will be open for community discussion at a pair of open houses this fall:

  • October 2: 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Maplewood Community Center, 2100 White Bear Avenue, with presentations at 6 and 7 p.m. Click here for a map to the open house.
  • October 7: 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the North Branch Library, 6355 379th Street, with presentations at 6 and 7 p.m. Click here for a map to the open house.

An Alternatives Analysis is a necessary step in the federal process to secure transit funding for a bus rapid transit, light rail transit, or commuter rail project. Different alignments and modes are studied to try to solve the transportation problems of a corridor. The following modes were considered for the Rush Line Corridor:

  • Bus, both conventional and electric Trolley Bus
  • Bus Rapid Transit, conventional and guided bus
  • Light Rail Transit
  • Modern Streetcar
  • Magnetic Levitation
  • Heavy Rail
  • Commuter Rail, both conventional and diesel multiple unit
  • Automated Guideway Transit

The Alternatives Analysis study will conclude in mid-2009. At that time, the counties, cities and townships along the Rush Line Corridor will recommend a next step, which could be anything from pursuing a “build” mode (BRT, light rail or commuter rail) to continuing to advocate for additional bus service in the corridor.

For more information, call Tim Mayasich at (651) 266-2762.