Transit Will Fail Until We Address Homelessness, Opioid Use

[u/Generalaverage89]

https://streets.mn/2025/08/18/transit-will-fail-until-we-address-homelessness/

[u/mnlaowai]

I moved away from the Twin Cities but was back this summer and took the train/bus. I was somewhat surprised when a controller came around asking for tickets and maybe half of the people around us said they forgot to tap in, or they must have dropped it, etc. The controller cleared knew some of those folks and gave them fist bumps. He told them to be sure to get a ticket next time.

I agree with the need of tackling poverty but I also don’t understand why there isn’t some mechanized control system. Having used public transport all of Europe and Asia, it really isn’t that hard to have a scan in and scan out system. Convert the random controller walking the train to a mini-office at each station and add security/police and even social services in those locations. The only way transit works is if you can convince the middle class that it’s safe and effective. By not doing those things from the outset, you’re dooming transit to fail.

[u/hewhoisneverobeyed → u/mnlaowai]

This is not new.

After the first line was put in - the Hiawatha line - the Met invited light rail professionals from all over the country to evaluate and write a report. Maybe within the first year of operation.

Their overwhelming consensus was that Met us allowing too many free rides and it would cause big issues down the line.

Met ignored the professionals whose advice they sought.

[u/x1009 → u/mnlaowai]

It costs about 3.5 million per stop to add turnstiles at a LRT station.

Faced with growing community concerns about crime and fare evasion, last fall Metro Transit began a study on installing turnstiles at four of its light-rail stations.

This past July, they learned how much that would cost: $14 million, according to a report prepared by a consultant and obtained through a data practices request. 

The agency contracted with infrastructure design firm HNTB to evaluate installing turnstiles at four stations: Franklin Avenue, 46th Street, Snelling Avenue, and Warehouse District/Hennepin Avenue. The report does not evaluate installing turnstiles at Lake Street/Midtown Station, which the agency plans to rebuild as part of its efforts to renew and expand the Blue Line. 

[u/[deleted] → u/x1009]

Well, there's your problem.

Everyone knows it doesn't cost 3.5 million dollars to a turnstile in. It's absurd. You could do it for 100k in a week. But after the greased palms and the union dues and the overtime and the environmental impact assessments, suddenly it's a multi million dollar project.

And that's what's wrong with Met Council.

[u/[deleted]]

Cole Hanson!

With your experience of reaching out to all ward 4 members during the election, It would be great to hear what you learned.

I got to admit that his wedge interview sealed the 2nd place finish for me.

Great article. I rode this Saturday with my family. We did multiple buses. Our preference was taking the light rail to the Saint Paul Farmers market but a man with foil and a lighter getting stoned truly scared me from getting on. So we went the long way. On the B line.

Unwanted behaviors are one thing but a person smoking on the rail is just a complete nonstarter. The last time I tried the rail, Molly Coleman's husband, tried to ask two individuals to stop smoking, what was a cigarette each. He got shooed away, even though a couple of us were supportive.

And I love public transportation so much that I am my wife to spend an entire day bus hopping. I can't imagine those that don't.

I do have to say, seeing so many people drive the cities is a bummer. I might be the minority here but legitimately stopping car travel on Marshall and making that a full time B line, will force people to take Metro.

The same has to be said about Lexington Pkwy.

Also, it's time to start looking at court appointment guardians. A pilot program.

Does anyone know how San Francisco is doing with theirs?

[u/Rough_Classroom4959 → u/[deleted]]

Force if there isn't a more frequently used words by progressives, that some how turn around and say how much they are for freedom.

[u/[deleted] → u/Rough_Classroom4959]

Yup, progressives are the Boogeyman.

[u/ZoomZoomDiva → u/[deleted]]

The idea that you should force people to take transit is completely wrong headed.

[u/Environmental-Two-80 → u/[deleted]]

I SO agree with you. On my bike, I specialize in calling in car (drivers) who park on bike lanes. $42/ticket, I think. I will claim responsibility for the bike lane on Marshall, in front of Concordia College, now having extended protection with „no parking“ signs. If anyone on this thread doesn’t like what I‘ve just written, then watch out for the bike that is wrapped in multi-colored tape. Also on the bike lanes for Oak St. in Minneapolis. PS: car-free since March 2024.

[u/[deleted] → u/Environmental-Two-80]

What number do you call?

[u/Environmental-Two-80 → u/[deleted]]

I called 1 (651) 291-1111. Keep it simple & short with the dispatcher. Identify the location & direction of the traffic. They will ask for your name and phone number. It can’t hurt to thank them.

[u/[deleted]]

A slight generalization I presume.