Minn. Senate passes bill cutting public transit

by Tim Pugmire, Minnesota Public Radio

St. Paul, Minn. — The Minnesota Senate has passed a transportation funding bill that could result in higher bus fares and reductions in transit service.

The Republican-backed measure passed Monday on a 38 to 25 vote.

Metropolitan Council Chair Susan Haigh sent a letter to Republican leaders prior to the debate warning about the impact that a $32 million spending reduction would have on transit. Rural transit providers would also see a funding cut.

But Sen. Joe Gimse, R-Willmar, chair of the Senate transportation committee, pledged to keep close tabs on the affected systems.

"We are going to certainly make these reductions. We need to make these reductions, but we're not going to walk away from the people of the state of Minnesota because of this. We will be diligent and vigilant," Gimse said.

Senate Democrats opposed the bill, which cuts spending far less than the House transportation bill.