You'd like to visit an old friend. You want to pick up groceries, visit a doctor, or see a movie. But you don't own a car because your income, vision, or driving ability doesn't allow it. What should you do? Unfortunately, your choices are far too limited. Because of decades of 'roads-only' policies, our dial-a-ride, bus and rail system don't adequately address needs of seniors or, indeed, the needs of the state.

Public transportation should provide opportunities for persons to get to their destinations, reduce air and noise pollution, decrease our dependence on foreign oil and foster a greater sense of community and social connectedness. But this can happen only with adequate funding.

However, our transit system is being cut every year. We achieved the political will to build one rail line, but still haven't been able to come up with a consistent way to fund ongoing needs and to expand the transit system.

The Minnesota Senior Federation, through leadership of its Northwest Metro and St. Paul chapters, has made sustainable, accessible and affordable transit a key statewide issue for the Federation. Last year the Federation became a key member of Transit Partners, a coalition that includes environmental and faith-based organizations, unions and other transit advocates.

Through the work of Transit Partners, solutions are now on the table. Last year, the Senior Federation with our Transit Partners pushed to fund a transit system that would secure funding for existing dial-a-ride, bus and rail transit, double the bus system, and expand the regional network of transitways including new rail and bus rapid transit lines. The bill, called Transportation Choices 2020, would implement a metro-wide sales tax.

In other lobbying efforts, the Federation has been working on linking dial-a-ride services to provide easier transportation to local destinations.

Because of our efforts, final legislation that passed the House and Senate included significant new funding for transit. While the governor vetoed this bill, it was a significant victory for transit in that it garnered a majority of legislator's approval. The time is ripe to secure funding for a world-class transit system.

Good and sustainable transit options statewide:

The Motor Vehicle Sales Tax referendum - The 2005 legislation that passed the House and Senate included a referendum to designate all money generated by motor vehicle sales to be spent on transportation, phased in over five years. The referendum, which will be on the ballot this fall, will require that at least 40 percent of the money be spent on transit in both Greater Minnesota and the metro area. It would be the first constitutionally dedicated source of funding for transit and the Minnesota Senior Federation has endorsed its passage.

Bonding - Transit projects that require funding this year include Northstar Corridor, the line running from Big Lake to Minneapolis; Central Corridor down University Avenue from downtown St. Paul to downtown Minneapolis; and several other transitways that are planned for the future.
Transportation Choices 2020 - While less likely to pass in a bonding session, Transportation Choices 2020 is Transit Partners solution to our transit systems' woes. With passage of this bill, we can fund the transit system that we deserve.

We need your help to keep from losing the minimum services we have now and to fight for fund improvements needed to bring our transit services up to an acceptable level.

• Vote "yes" on the motor vehicle sales tax referendum this fall
• Urge your legislators and the governor to fund transit projects with a "responsible" bonding budget that supports major transit needs and to support Transportation Choices 2020 as a viable transit system solution
• Attend meetings of the local MnSF chapters to learn how you can "help yourself" and address current transit inadequacies
• Join a statewide Federation transit action committee that will work for adequate transit bonding and support of this fall's motor vehicle sales tax referendum.

A transit workshop will held at Metro Region's May 1 Convention. We expect to have speakers available to talk about transit and transit needs in your region. To learn more or to join the Federation transit action committee, contact Steven Sasnow, 952/368-9300 or Keith Miller at 651/777-0109.