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Transportation Survey
Here is the vision:
Using a combination of state and local funds, purchase several shuttle buses and provide rides within rural Blue Earth County communities and daily transportation into Mankato and North Mankato. Buses would be housed in the rural communities from which the daily routes originate and pick up passengers from rural Blue Earth County. People could travel within their hometowns, to other rural communities and into Mankato/North Mankato. Routes would be scheduled to provide rides to work, college, appointments and social activities.
The rural shuttle buses would drive a fixed (but flexible) route into Mankato and stop at places such as the hospital, mall, clinics, Summit Center, Mankato and North Mankato industrial areas etc. They would also stop at the current Mankato transfer centers (Madison East and Cherry Street) to allow passengers the opportunity to transfer to another bus.
The cost of managing the transportation system would be highly subsidized, with about 85% of the cost paid by Mn/Dot and the rest of the cost recovered from fares and local contributions. VINE volunteer drivers, using their own cars, (mileage reimbursement provided) would offer supplemental rides and passenger support.
Passenger rates are to be determined. $2 to $3 per one-way ride into Mankato has been discussed as a reasonable cost.
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