Survey: Minnesota residents are pro-transit

Two-thirds of Minnesotans support the Northstar Commuter Rail and the proposal to fund it, according to findings from a statewide survey.

Decision Resources Ltd., a national research firm located in Minneapolis, conducted a random sample survey between Nov. 30 and Dec. 13, 2005, and found that the margin of support for funding Northstar is greater than two-to-one among all respondents.

The survey also found that 68% of Minnesotans believe highway congestion has become worse in their area in the past few years, while only 50% believe the transportation system in their area adequately meets their needs.

Eighty-seven percent of Minnesotans believe that additional transportation investments will be needed over the next 10 years, the survey reported.

The Northstar proposal calls for a commuter rail line on a 40-mile stretch of existing track from Big Lake to Minneapolis.