The Metropolitan Council is seeking members to serve on a Metro Mobility Task Force that will begin meeting by September 1.
The task force will identify options for reducing program costs and improving efficiency. It will also identify at least three potential service-level approaches that involve partnering with and incorporating transportation network companies, taxi service providers, or both, in providing Metro Mobility services.
The 2017 Minnesota Legislature authorized the task force and prescribed its composition and work plan.
Task force membership
The task force will include:
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One representative from Metro Mobility, appointed by the Council.
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One elected official from each metropolitan county. Each of these officials must be from a district or unit of government in the Metro Mobility service area, and must be appointed by the respective county board in consultation with cities in the county.
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At least one and no more than three persons representing transportation network companies.
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At least one and no more than three persons representing taxi service providers.
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One representative appointed by the Council’s Transportation Accessibility Advisory Committee.
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One representative appointed by the Minnesota Council on Disability.
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One representative appointed by the Commissioner of Human Services.
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One representative appointed by the Commissioner of Management and Budget.
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One representative appointed by the Association of Residential Resources of Minnesota.
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One representative appointed by the Center for Transportation Studies at the University of Minnesota.
The Metro Mobility, transportation network companies, and taxi service representatives will be non-voting members.
Transportation network companies and taxi services are encouraged to contact the Council if they are interested in having a representative on the committee. The Council has reached out to the agencies named in the legislation to appoint a representative to the task force. Contact Nick Thompson, Metropolitan Transportation Services Director, at [email protected] or 651-602-1754, for information or to express interest in serving.
Final report to the Legislature
The task force must submit a final report to the Legislature on its work and findings by Feb. 15, 2018.
Metro Mobility, a service of the Council, is public transportation in the Twin Cities metro area for certified riders who are unable to use regular fixed-route bus service due to a disability or health condition. Certification is based on criteria established by the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. In 2016, Metro Mobility provided 2.23 million rides to more than 20,000 active certified users.