by MaryAnne Block
A possible St. Cloud Area Metro Bus route to St. Joseph was briefly mentioned at the St. Joseph City Council meeting Sept. 18.
Mayor Rick Schultz shared a query from St. Cloud Metro Area Transit about the possibility of a St. Joseph route. The city council did not commit until more information is known, including projected cost.
Dave Green, contact for St. Cloud Metro Area Transit, said in an interview with the Newsleaders that Metro Bus service never originates an inquiry. Green is the chief operating officer for the company.
“Such a query,” he said, “is initiated from multiple sources after multiple conversations, whenever a community shows interest.”
The process begins with the Area Planning Organization. The state of Minnesota is divided into eight areas that are responsible for annually developing transportation plans and assisting in the planning process.
“APO looks at census, poverty, low income, thriving business districts, community sources for service, possible route hours and location and more,” Green said.
APO recommendations are then shared with that area’s
Metro Bus system. Metro Bus in turn sends a query letter to whatever surrounding cities are mentioned by APO.
“St. Cloud Metro reassesses the surrounding area needs about every seven to eight years, which is right now,” Green said. “Metro is open to feedback and suggestions from the area.”
If there is enough local interest, Metro is willing to meet with various groups. They will also address how such a project is basically funded. If there is enough local interest, Metro relays that to the APO. The APO proceeds with further public meetings and workshops, helps in arranging funding allocation, coordinates the project and does necessary date analysis and research. Ordinarily, about 80 percent of annual costs are state-funded.
Establishing a new route is a time-consuming process, involving APO and local interest. Much is considered before a potential route becomes an actuality. Residents of St. Joseph should contact their mayor and city council members if they are interested in a Metro Bus route in the city.
The St. Cloud-based Metro Bus system currently serves the cities of Sartell, St. Cloud, Sauk Rapids and Waite Park.
