Metropolitan Council required to publish monthly ridership numbers and quarterly crime statistics.
Impact
In addition to monitoring ridership, HF697 obligates the Metropolitan Council to release quarterly crime statistics related to incidents occurring on light rail vehicles, buses, commuter rail cars, and at any transit-related facilities. Such data will be cataloged by transit mode and type of crime, aiming to enhance transparency around safety measures and issues within the public transportation system. This requirement serves to highlight the safety of the transportation network and potentially address any public concerns regarding crime on public transit.
Summary
House File 697 mandates that the Metropolitan Council produces and publishes monthly reports on ridership statistics for all transit services under its purview, including guideways and busways. These reports are intended to keep the public informed about the number of users who rely on various public transportation methods. Furthermore, the bill requires that these reports incorporate ridership projections provided at the time of the full funding grant agreements for the relevant transit systems, ensuring accountability to the public regarding travel expectations versus actual use.
Conclusion
Overall, HF697 represents a significant legislative effort to improve transparency and public accountability in the realm of public transportation in Minnesota. By mandating the collection and dissemination of relevant data, the bill aims to empower the public with information, potentially leading to more informed discussions about the future of transit and safety in the region.
Contention
HF697 does not seem to outline any major points of contention based on the available data, but it implicitly raises questions about the adequacy of current safety measures on public transportation and the effectiveness of the Metropolitan Council's existing management strategies. Opponents may voice concerns regarding the resources required to generate and maintain these reports and whether they could divert attention from necessary improvements in transit safety itself. Proponents, on the other hand, likely view the bill as a vital step towards improving accountability and ensuring that public transit is safe and accessible.
Metropolitan Council abolished, duties transferred to other departments, public safety radio communication law and fiscal disparity law conforming amendments made, payment of bonds and other debt obligations provided, metro area sanitary sewer district created, and money appropriated.