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Light rail has the benefit of additional carrying capacity, which makes it more effective than other forms of transit and could also attract riders who would otherwise not ride the buses. And the operating costs are less for comparable service, DeSpiegelaere said.

“Projects of this nature are expensive,” she said. “But no matter what we do, it’s expensive. And light rail has the high capital potential. It carries more people and the vehicles have a longer life than buses.”

Peter McLaughlin, Hennepin County District 4 Commissioner, believes that the introduction of light rail along University would have great benefits and would help traffic congestion in one of the highest-volume corridors, he said.

“I think there are plenty of people who would benefit from this,” he said. “It’s all a part of creating an enhanced transit system.”

Many of the benefits will be felt by area businesses, McLaughlin said.

“I believe that University Avenue has been struggling č it’s been struggling for some time,” he said. “That’s an old streetcar street and it’s been struggling to create a new image for itself. Light rail can help with that new identity.”

Light rail will bring more people to the area and provide businesses with new patrons, he said.
“That’s not to say that there is not a potential problem during construction,” McLaughlin said. “There is no question about that. Businesses will face some serious problems, and we need to try to ease the damage.”

DeSpiegelaere said that it is important to those working for the light rail that the needs of businesses along University are addressed. She said maintaining access to the storefront, parking, and bus service will have to be carefully managed.

Another advocate of the Central Corridor light rail is Jay Benanav, St. Paul Councilman of District 4.
Benanav supports the light rail because it will provide an alternative mode of transportation as traffic volume increases, it has a longer lifespan than buses, and it will benefit businesses, employees, and customers with increased access, he said.

Benanav also wants to make sure that the needs and concerns of the residents of the area are addressed as the process gets underway, he said.

“We will listen and work with the community, businesses and residents, to make sure that Central LRT is a great project that meets their needs,” he said. “There will be many opportunities in the next phase of work, preliminary engineering, where more decisions are made about the project, to involve businesses in helping make those decisions.”

Ramsey County Representative Janice Rettman has already started talking and listening to the people in her community. On Wednesday, Feb. 23, Rettman hosted an open meeting at Galtier Magnet Elementary School for community members to voice concerns or support for the Central Corridor light rail.

“I’m trying to make sure that people are given a chance to articulate their concerns,” Rettman said, “and allow people some input on the options that are being addressed.”

Rettman has not taken a position for or against the University Avenue light rail. She abstained from her vote in July of 2002 when the board proposed a vote on regarding Bus Rapid Transit and Light Rail Transit. Rettman said she was avoiding a premature vote.

Now that the decision is down to the Met Council, Rettman is setting herself apart from other representatives by remaining neutral and making sure that she is truly the voice of the people she represents, she said.

“What I’m hoping for is that people will start thinking about the solutions that are best for their area and how to articulate them,” she said. “That’s where I think we need to do an excellent job of getting that inclusiveness.”