Sponsor: Public Works
Title
title
Transit Impacts Research Program 2026 Funding Request
end
Recommendation
recommendation
Approve the expenditure of $30,000 for Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority’s share of the Transit Impacts Research Program for 2026.
end
Background and Rationale
body
The Transit Impacts Research Program (TIRP) studies the economic and community impacts of transitway projects. The Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority (RCRRA), an active participant in the program since 2008, along with other local governments and the University of Minnesota support various research initiatives through the TIRP. The 2026 TIRP funding request to RCRRA is in the amount of $30,000 to help support a research project called “Beyond Ridership: Measuring the Performance of Twin Cities Public Transit Systems.”
Continued research will take advantage of skills at the University of Minnesota to provide useful information for decisions on transitway development. Additional information about the Transit Impacts Research Program can be found on their website:
University of MN Transit Impacts Research Program (TIRP) <https://www.cts.umn.edu/programs/tirp>
The TIRP program studies the contributions of transit to mobility, economic development, job access, equity, opportunity, safety, and sustainability. TIRP research outcomes directly support the county’s strategic priority for improving intergenerational wealth and economic justice.
end
County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
__ Well-being X Prosperity X Opportunity X Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
Throughout Ramsey County and the Twin Cities metro, transitways provide reliable, low-cost, and high-amenity transportation options. These transitways serve many transit-dependent households and areas of racially concentrated poverty. Additionally, transitways provide access to jobs, workforce training opportunities, and other key destinations. Regional transit providers have struggled with challenges recruiting and retaining the workforce to operate and maintain this critical infrastructure. The $30,000 in funding will help develop metrics to analyze the performance of transit investments in the Twin Cities, incorporating regional priorities such as accessibility, land use, and economic impacts to inform planning and decision-making.
Community Participation Level and Impact
Research done by the Transit Impacts Research Program includes qualitative and quantitative
methods of gathering input from those who currently use or benefit from transitway projects, as well
as those in need of improved access.
X Inform X Consult __ Involve __ Collaborate __ Empower
Fiscal Impact
Funding in the amount of $30,000 is available in the 2026 Multimodal Planning operating budget.
Last Previous Action
On August 19, 2025, Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority authorized $30,000 for the Transit Impacts Research Program in 2025 (Resolution R2025-012).
Attachments
1. Letter