Transit
Key Aspects of MAP-21 Implementation for Greater Minnesota Transit
Section 5310 – Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities
Under SAFETEA-LU, MnDOT managed this program statewide. Under MAP-21, large urban areas (in this case, the Metropolitan Council) receive and distribute its formula funds unless the state governor declares a different recipient and program manager. Met Council and MnDOT agree that MnDOT will continue to manage the program statewide.
Asset Management and Safety and Security
The Federal Transit Administration places a greater emphasis on asset management and safety and security under MAP-21. The FTA will require more active management of federally funded transit assets such as buses, bus garages and other passenger facilities. FTA is developing guidelines that will include instructions for development of asset management plans with performance measures. FTA is also requiring more attention to safety and security. Transit providers must identify a safety officer who must be trained through a formal program and will have responsibilities to monitor the provider’s compliance to safety and security guidelines. Both of these initiatives will add costs to transit providers and MnDOT must ensure its sub-recipients comply with the new requirements.
Reduced Availability of Federal Funds for Greater Minnesota Transit Capital
Most funds for Greater Minnesota public transit buses have historically come from the Area Transportation Partnership process under the Surface Transportation Program. Under MAP-21, more potential uses of STP funds will compete for a smaller pool of available dollars. More state funds will need to be spent on buses to maintain a properly operating fleet.