DMCC Board Approves Bus Rapid Transit Circulator System

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - The Destination Medical Center Corporation Board met Friday in a special session and approved a resolution identifying the mode and route for a planned transit circulator system to serve downtown Rochester.

Despite objections voiced by Rochester Mayor Kim Norton, the board voted 7-1 Friday afternoon to select a South Broadway and 2nd Street Southwest route and a bus rapid transit mode for the transit circulator to serve Mayo Clinic patients and workers in the decades to come as the city prepares for a period of rapid growth. The mayor contends, in the short-term, a bus-based system using dedicated lanes on two of the busiest streets in the city, could increase traffic congestion while lobbying for a more imaginative solution to the city’s transportation challenges.

Mayor Norton also expressed concerns about the current plans to develop the transit hubs in two phases. She argued there is a potential to the community could end up with two massive parking ramps without the promised amenities, including affordable housing and retail opportunities.

The Rochester City Council’s agenda for its Monday night meeting includes a possible vote on the same resolution.

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