Metro Transit and the Met Council are currently in the planning stages of a project called the Blue Line Extension that would eliminate vehicle traffic on N. 10th Ave. and introduce Light Rail trains (LRT). While public transportation improvements are crucial for our city's future, we believe that the proposed route and method of transportation could have significant negative consequences for our community. Here is a link to the currently proposed LRT Plan:

https://metrocouncil.org/Transportation/Projects/Light-Rail-Projects/METRO-Blue-Line-Extension/Design-Engineering/Municipal-Consent/Plan-Documents.aspx

N. 10th Ave. serves as a vital artery for traffic to and from North Loop businesses and residences. The proposed plan to replace it with LRT would disrupt the flow of daily life in our neighborhood and cause traffic congestion and threats to pedestrian safety on the quiet side streets we all cherish.

We, the undersigned, ask Metro Transit and the Met Council to reconsider their current plan and explore a different route and method of transportation that would better serve our community's interests.

By means of this petition, we ask that a route along the I-94 corridor be built instead and that the Met Counsel investigate the use of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) as an alternative to LRT. 

In 2020, Metro Transit’s Network Next plan was refocused on future bus rapid transit (BRT) lines. There are many positives of BRT over LRT listed on the Metro Transit site here: https://www.metrotransit.org/brt

We prefer alternate options as a less negatively-impactful solution for any new public transportation in the area of North Loop. Service is up to 25% faster with BRT than local buses. The cost of building BRT is less than LRT and the disruption to neighborhoods is less significant and according to Metro Transit, METRO bus rapid transit (BRT) ridership stayed strong during the pandemic and is recovering faster than other service types which is another factor in its favor. BRT may be a less expensive and surer path to developing transportation that would benefit riders without doing harm to neighborhoods.

By signing below, you are demonstrating your support for our exceptional community while also acknowledging the importance of investing in public transit and creating a better city for all.

Your voice matters, and your signature on this petition can help us advocate for a more suitable and community-friendly public transportation solution.

Thank you for your support and commitment to ensuring the North Loop's unique character and quality of life continue well into the future.