Title Evaluating the potential for Bus Rapid Transit and MnPASS Express Lanes in the southwest metro Investigating options for improved bus service between the Twin Cities and Mankato

Introduction Highway 169 Mobility Study is made up of two tasks: Task 1: Evaluate cost effective options for improving transit and reducing congestion on Highway 169 between Shakopee and Golden Valley, and Task 2: Evaluate potential for Intercity Bus Service between Mankato and the Twin Cities Highway 169 Mobility Study Area

Task 2: Introduction The Highway 169 Corridor between Mankato and the Twin Cities is a critical link for educational institutions, businesses, and interregional freight and passenger transportation. Task 2 Outcomes: Identify potential Highway 169 Intercity Service Travel Markets, Needs and Opportunities Service options, both short and long term, will be developed Task 2 Study Area

Task 2: Project Team Project Management Team(PMT) Provides oversight of project activities Representatives from MnDOT Office of Transit, MnDOT District 7, Mankato Transit, Minnesota State University at Mankato, City of Saint Peter, Scott County, and the Metropolitan Council Stakeholder Working Group Representatives from cities, counties, planning organizations, transit providers, colleges, business and economic development, and human services Task 2 Service Providers

MnDOT’s Intercity Bus Program Program goals and objectives: Support the connection between rural areas and the larger regional or national system of intercity bus service; Support services to meet the intercity travel needs of residents in rural areas; and Support the infrastructure of the intercity bus network through planning, marketing, and capital investments.

MnDOT’s Intercity Bus Program Definition of intercity bus service FTA defines intercity bus service as “regularly scheduled bus service for the general public that operates with limited stops over fixed routes connecting two or more urban areas not in close proximity. MnDOT Office of Transit further specifies that intercity bus service may include local and regional feeder services, if those services are designed expressly to connect to the broader intercity bus network.

Stakeholder Workshop # 2 Outline Three Breakout Discussions Define the Market for Transit Service Barriers and Gaps Strategies and Opportunities Large group discussion after each breakout Summary Discussion/Findings

Next Steps Perform web survey targeted at colleges and universities Define problem statement, opportunities and trends, and perform a market analysis The second stakeholder workshop is proposed for mid-March 2016 for review of: Problem statement, market analysis and service options

Schedule