Our transportation system serves more than 3 million people living in our 2,957-square-mile region, plus the thousands who travel into our region to visit, study, work, play, and shop. All of us who are walking, biking, driving, riding in cars, and taking transit are users of our transportation system.
Through the years, system operations improvements have added to the travel choices available – alternatives that reduce or avoid highway congestion. Restoring the aging infrastructure of our mature highway system is another focused, ongoing improvement. The region consistently ranks high in quality-of-life factors, yet there are gaps to close in the region. Those with moderate to low incomes and communities of color have historically faced barriers to opportunity – better jobs, more schooling, and home ownership and affordability. Today, the gap in income and education in this region is one of the largest in the country.
Equitable access to transportation improves everyone’s chance to participate in a strong economy. We also must work harder to protect communities and the natural environment near busy roadways or major transit investments from disruption and environmental harm.
Our region’s transportation system includes Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington counties and the developed areas in the southeast portions of Sherburne and Wright counties