Metro Transit, Valley Metro to solicit public input on transit projects

Metro Transit will host two open houses this week to discuss the Midtown Corridor alternatives analysis, which will determine the benefits, costs and impacts of creating a transitway on the Midtown Greenway Street in Minneapolis.

The analysis will evaluate options in the corridor between the Metro Blue Line's Lake Street Station on the east and the planned Metro Green Line light-rail extension on the west, Metro Transit officials said in a press release. They expect to complete the analysis in 2014.

At the meetings, the public will be asked to provide input on three alternatives that could advance to more detailed design, engineering and construction. The options include an enhanced bus service on Lake Street, a streetcar on the Midtown Greenway and a combination of streetcar on the Midtown Greenway and enhanced bus service on Lake Street, with an enhanced bus extension to St. Paul, Metro Transit officials said.

Meanwhile, in Phoenix, Valley Metro and city officials will hold public meetings today and tomorrow to discuss the agency's light-rail station feasibility study.

The meetings are being held to inform the public about the initial evaluation of adding a light-rail station to two locations: Washington/16th Street and Washington/48th Street, Valley Metro officials said in a press release.