Rochester City Council, Mayo Clinic reach agreement for city’s transit plan
An image showing what the proposed Link Rapid Transit Project would look like in Rochester, Minn.
A proposed fare-free transit system that would connect nearly three miles of downtown Rochester- including the Mayo Civic Center and Mayo Clinic campuses – is another step closer to becoming a reality.
According to Hubbard owned affiliate KAAL-TV, the Rochester City Council voted unanimously in favor of a 20-year agreement with Mayo Clinic for the project, which would be 2.8 miles long and connect 2nd Street Southwest to downtown Sixth Street.
The project still needs federal funding to completely stay on track.
The Link Rapid Transit project is estimated to cost $143 million, and the newly agreed-upon plan would require Mayo Clinic to initially pay $3.5 million toward the system. The other 80% would come from state and federal grants, according to KAAL.
Riders – including community members, visitors and Mayo employees – would be able to ride the buses for free, according to Deputy City Administrator Cindy Steinhauser.
Project leaders are also planning to create a transit station, public plaza, restroom and parking area in what would be called a “Transit Village” at the west end of the route.
CLICK HERE to learn more about the proposed project.