Greater Minnesota transit leaders ask for $5 million to shore up capital needs amid fleet, workforce challenges

Brandon Orme, president of the Minnesota Public Transit Association, told the committee there are 40 public transit systems serving all 80 counties in Greater Minnesota and that many face aging fleets, limited bus storage, supply‑chain delays for vehicle replacements and driver shortages.

Orme said recent assessments identify about $21.5 million in capital projects across systems (bus storage, facilities and fleet replacements) and requested a modest, targeted $5 million state investment to leverage federal and local resources for capital projects. He emphasized transit’s role in connecting residents to work, health care and essential services and cited a prior study that estimated state savings from enabling employment through transit.

Senators asked about changes in demand and regional variation; presenters said aging populations, clinic closures and workforce shortages are increasing demand on transit in many rural areas. Committee members expressed interest in restoring funding after prior cuts and noted coordination and voluntary regional collaboration could help fill gaps; no committee vote was taken at the hearing.