The Transportation Workgroup knows people need access to reliable sources of transportation in order to live quality lives. However, many people with disabilities face barriers when it comes to accessing transportation. These barriers make it difficult for them to get around, decrease their autonomy and overall negatively effect their quality of life. The Workgroup wants to help decrease barriers so people with disabilities and others can access the transportation they need to live their best lives.
The Transportation Workgroup include members of the Metro Regional Quality Council, community advocates, service providers and Metro Regional Quality Council staff. In our efforts to decreasing barriers, one of our goals is to help increase awareness about transportation options available to people with disabilities and others. Another is to educate the public and law makers about the importance of accessing and expanding transportation, especially accessible transportation.
We think our goals can be accomplished by:
- Increasing access to resources which inform people about the various transportation options available to them.
- Advocating for policies and programs that improve and expand accessible transportation services and programs.
- Creating action items for the public and advocates to participate in.
- Offering potential recommendations and solutions that could perhaps reduce some of these barrier to government officials and policy makers.
Transportation Resources
If you are curious to know what transportation options are available especially in the Metro Area, you can explore the Transportation category within the Employment Resources Website.
Transportation Policies & Programs to Support
Curious to know what policies and programs to support that would make a positive difference in the lives of people with disabilities and people in general? Listed below are some policies to support. Some of these might not pass this year but advocating is an ongoing endeavor.
- Transit Fare Elimination Pilot Program– This program started in July 2023 and ended December 2024. It enables Metro Mobility certified riders to use their Metro Mobility ID card to board any Metro Transit regular route bus or train for free. Free fares also apply on Maple Grove Transit, Minnesota Valley Transit Authority, Plymouth Metrolink, and SouthWest Transit. However, after December 2024, free fares will NO longer be free and will cost Metro Mobility riders 1 cent to board. Find out more about the Metro Transit Free Fare Program.
One way to show support for the continuation of the Free Fare Program is by writing a letter of support and sending the letters to your government officials.
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- Writing a Letter of Support– Download this free Letter of Support Template to aid you in your letter writing efforts. Personalize the letter by adding your identifying information and sharing personal experiences using transportation.
- Provide a story or testimonial- One of the most effective ways to show support is to share your story or testimonial. You can share your story or testimonial with your government officials to let them know how transportation impacts your life. You can also share your story or testimonial with the public by allowing the MRQC to post your story on our website. If interested in sharing your story or testimonial with us, please send us a message via the RQC Contact page.
- Finding your government officials- If you aren’t sure which government officials represent the voting district you live in, this legislative map can help you find your local government representatives and state senators.
Rethinking I-94 Project
The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) is in the process of rethinking the I-94 corridor between Minneapolis and St. Paul and is currently in Phase 2 of the multi-year project. MnDOT has created options and have shared the final recommendations with the public. Now from Fall 2025 to winter 2026, the public will be able to share feedback and publicly comment. You can explore the Rethinking I-94 MnDOT Page or see other viewpoints on the project at the links below:
Join the MRQC and MnDOT on September 8th, 2025 from 12-1:30pm to share your feedback and comments and learn more about the Rethinking I-94 Project! See zoom link to join: https://arcminnesota.zoom.us/j/88549242388?pwd=SFWLmDADelXgXSgHVPm2VcUboowfBO.1
