Politics & Government

Lawmakers Say They Prefer Buses To Light Rail In Woodbury Area

Nine local legislators met with the Washington County Board Tuesday to discuss transit in the area.

When it comes to future transit options in Woodbury and Washington County, folks prefer buses to light rail.

That revelation came out of a larger discussion about transit in the area when a delegation of local legislators met with the Washington County Board on Tuesday.

Board Chair Gary Kriesel said the county is trying to follow the Metropolitan Council’s 2030 plan for transit in the area, but has heard diverging views on what form that would take under the Counties Transit Improvement Board (CTIB), a consortium of metro area counties that derives its funding from a quarter-cent sales tax.

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The benefits to bus rapid transit (BRT) over light rail is that as the population shifts, so too can bus lines, said Rep. John Kriesel.

In a recent survey of her constituents, Rep. Andrea Kieffer, a Republican from Woodbury, most don’t want light rail in the area. Rep. Kathy Lohmer said her survey had similar findings.  

Find out what's happening in Woodburywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

One major unknown is the outcome of a , which is expected back in March 2012. Commissioner Autumn Lehrke asked if lawmakers would support a light-rail option if the study determines that’s the preferred alternative.

Rep. Kriesel said it would be tough for him to support light rail, noting the costs and limited ability to change it versus BRT. Commissioner Lisa Weik also noted that BRT costs about a third of what it would take to initiate light rail.

Other lawmakers at Tuesday’s meeting included Sen. Ray Vandeveer, Rep. Bob Dettmer and Sen. Chuck Wiger. (The meeting also included talks about the looming government shutdown and issues with tax classifications for groups like the VFW and American Legion.)


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