New Poll: Twin Cities Residents Want Robust Public Transit
Across race, age and geography, Twin Cities residents agree: Everyone should have the freedom to get around in sustainable, affordable, and healthy ways.
A new poll from Move Minnesota and Data for Progress reveals that 83% of Twin Cities adults believe that having robust public transit options is good for everyone—and a strong majority personally know someone who benefits from using the current system. More than 60% of residents already consider public transit for certain trips, like attending major events, and nearly 1 in 5 say they have never used public transit but would like to.
In 2023, Minnesota made history by passing the most ambitious transportation bill in the United States and securing long-term funding for public transit in the Twin Cities. As we invest in the transformation of our public transit system, now is the time to engage and inspire more residents to get on board.
Our new polling report provides insight on how we can capitalize on common beliefs and amplify the ways public transit is improving to better meet the needs of our daily lives.
Key Findings:
More than 90% of Twin Cities residents agree that everyone should have transportation choices
Transportation impacts our lives in so many ways, from getting to work and school, to visiting the doctor and connecting with friends and family. Our poll shows that Twin Cities residents recognize that mobility options are essential. Respondents believe that it is important for themselves (78%), family and friends (83%), their neighbors (84%), and everyone in the Twin Cities (93%) to have access to transportation choices to get around.
Nearly 1 in 3 Twin Cities residents are already using public transit — and nearly two-thirds consider it for certain trips
From saving money to safeguarding our climate, using public transit has many benefits, and many Twin Cities residents are already on board. In our poll, 33% of respondents say they currently ride the bus and 41% said they have used the bus in the past. A similar trend holds for light rail and trains: 30% of respondents use them now and 35% have used them in the past. A majority of Twin Cities residents also say they are at least somewhat likely to consider using public transit to attend major events (65% likely), travel downtown (58% likely), and go to the airport (56% likely).
While acknowledging the drawbacks, Twin Cities residents overwhelmingly use personal vehicles to get around
By far the most-used form of transportation in the Twin Cities is personal vehicles, with 81% of residents regularly or occasionally using a personal vehicle to get around. Why? A full 85% agree that “traveling by car is the fastest option” and 81% say “I’m used to driving or having someone drive me where I need to go.” Car-dependency comes with a cost, though. In our poll, 63% of respondents emphasize that “it’s expensive to own a car and pay for gas and maintenance.”
Convenience, safety and reliability are key to expanding public transit use
Right now, when Twin Cities residents choose how to get around, convenience (58%), cost (43%), reliability (40%), travel time (39%), and safety (35%) are most important. For people who have never taken public transit, convenience ranks even higher (61%) as a top factor in their decision making. When specifically asked about factors that would make them more likely to use public transit, 65% say more convenient train and bus stops and 64% say more frequent train and bus service.
No Car, No Problem
Changing our collective transportation habits is like a puzzle with many pieces. Reducing car trips is only possible if we make other options, like public transit, convenient and affordable, while also making our communities more connected. Our No Car, No Problem campaign drives attention to the many transportation choices that are cost-friendly and ready to use.
For decades, our transit system has been starved of resources, forced into a constant state of scarcity. Thanks to years of advocacy by Move Minnesota supporters and partners, Metro Transit finally has the resources to expand and provide equitable, high-quality service to people across the region. We have a unique opportunity to improve the travel experience for those who already take public transit and invite all others who want to shift their transportation choices. So how do we flip the script on public transit so more Twin Cities residents see it as a compelling option?
As our poll revealed, Twin Cities residents want convenient and affordable transportation options. That’s why a key aspect of our new, region-wide public awareness campaign emphasizes the financial savings and stress reduction that come with leaving the car at home.Our poll also found that, to make different decisions about their daily transportation, respondents say “online schedule, cost, and route information” (43%) and “tools to map their trip” (32%) would be the most helpful. So our No Car, No Problem campaign also created a one-stop-shop that gives people all the resources they need in one place.