Minneapolis, Minnesota, Move MN – Growing up in a small town of about 500 people in South Dakota, getting around always meant driving. But after moving to Minneapolis in the spring of 2019, I realized how different life could be without a car. Now, I use public transit and my bike to get where I need to go—whether visiting my partner, grocery shopping, or attending events. And I’ve come to appreciate the city’s biking infrastructure, with protected bike lanes that make it safer and easier to get around, even though winters can be challenging.
I live close to several transit routes, but the bus stops near my apartment vary in quality—one stop has a shelter, bench, and schedule, but others are just a sign by the curb, with no protection from the elements. I’m glad to have multiple routes close by, but it’d be nice if all transit stops in the region had consistent, basic amenities.
Beyond our transit system within Minneapolis, one thing I would like to see is better transit to more rural areas. If there were a train connecting cities to smaller towns, like my hometown, it would make a huge difference. Right now, there aren’t any options for visiting family without a car.
If I could ask members of Congress to do one thing, it would be to rethink how we invest in our transportation system. Our country has spent decades pouring money into highways and car-centric infrastructure, leaving many people without good, reliable, affordable options for getting around. Investing in transit, biking, and more equitable transportation would be a better use of resources and would benefit everyone in the long run.