Podcasts about Metro Transit

Happy Friday, Madison! The City Cast Madison team is here to catch you up on yet another busy week of news. And this week, we have a special guest. Madison Public Library marketing manager Liz Boyd joins us to talk about the hottest party of the year: Madison Public Library's 150th birthday party! Plus, newsletter editor Rob Thomas has an update on the Abundant Life Christian School shooting. And executive producer Hayley Sperling and host Bianca Martin have good news and bad news from Metro Transit.  Mentioned on the show: String of attacks on bus drivers puts spotlight on Metro Transit [Wisconsin State Journal] Metro Transit Enacting New Safety Measures to Protect Drivers, Passengers [City of Madison] Want this Terrace chair? [Facebook] Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We're also on Instagram!  Want more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Subscribe to the Madison Minutes morning newsletter. 

Metro Transit has started rolling out their microtransit service areas, starting in Roseville and Woodbury. Jeb Rach has experience in both areas, let's check in on what the experience is like! Jeb selected a very appropriate background for our video call. Links Metro micro Transit to Trails podcast episode Attributions Our theme song is Tanz den Dobberstein, and our interstitial song is Puck's Blues. Both tracks used by permission of their creator, Erik Brandt. Find out more about his band, The Urban Hillbilly Quartet, on their website. This episode was hosted, edited, and transcribed by Ian R Buck. We're always looking to feature new voices on the show, so if you have ideas for future episodes, drop us a line at podcast@streets.mn. Transcript Find the full transcript on our website.

Here's your local news for Thursday, April 3, 2025:We meet the newcomer elected to Madison's school board on Tuesday,Check in with Metro Transit's general manager after yesterday's announcement that he's leaving the job,Look forward to the Wisconsin Film Festival - and this weekend's screening of “Art Speigelman: Disaster is My Muse!”,Sit down with an alder who wants safer streets in Madison,Share a story of redemption,Talk countertop options,Remember the Long Hot Summer of 1967,And much more.

Spokesperson Drew Kerr from Metro Transit joined Vineeta on The WCCO Morning News

Spokesperson Drew Kerr from Metro Transit joined Vineeta on The WCCO Morning News

2-25 Adam and Jordana 9a hour

Here's your local news for Thursday, February 20: WPR reports that some fossil-fuel projects like Enbridge's Line 5 could get fast-tracked by the Trump Administration; meanwhile, the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association says it will comply with a directive to ban transgender athletes from women's sports. Locally, Metro Transit is apologizing for service disruptions today, amid a labor action from Metro drivers as the city negotiates a new contract with Teamsters Local 120. And the Madison School Board appears unlikely to approve a new charter school next week, leaving its architects to pursue accreditation through UW. WORT reporter Nate Carlin heads to a press conference of Meriter nurses held in the midst of their ongoing contract negotiations. And Tami Jackson, public policy analyst at the Wisconsin Board for People With Disabilities, joins reporter Maria Segura to talk about what potential Medicaid cuts would entail. Later in the show, we hear from landscaper Action Jackson, talk solar panel installation, and reflect on what it means to stand up to power.  

This hour Henry discusses the money raised by the HungerThon and why it's important to continue to help, the passing of Tiger Woods' mother and why in today's world, she was a rare breed, they discuss the Danny Coulombe signing by the Minnesota Twins, and we finally get some good news for Metro Transit and quite frankly all of us.

The Context of White Supremacy hosts the weekly summit on Neutralizing Workplace Racism 01/17/25. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s federal holiday will be officially recognized by White people this coming Monday. Gus says expect some sort of tackiness from White co-workers over the next few days. #RacistJokes California is experiences nightmares as the death and property loss from the Southern California wildfires is still being calculated. Numerous non-white workers throughout the region lost their residence and/or their job because of the blazes or have had their health impacted by having to work in the midst of apocalyptic air pollution. And here in Gus T.'s Seattle, Washington state, King County Metro Workers honored non-white operator Shawn Yim who was stabbed to death by a White passenger earlier this year. Metro Transit operators, many of whom are classified as non-white, rallied to address the lack of safety for King County employees. According to reporting by Seattle's KING5 News, Yim allegedly exited the bus to confront his suspected killer who had pepper sprayed him before exiting the vehicle. Gus strongly discourages following someone who's wronged you or any form of retaliation in the workplace. #NoPoliticsOnTheJob #TheCOWS16Years INVEST in The COWS – http://paypal.me/TheCOWS Cash App: https://cash.app/$TheCOWS CALL IN NUMBER: 605.313.5164 CODE: 564943#

fWotD Episode 2797: Minneapolis Welcome to Featured Wiki of the Day, your daily dose of knowledge from Wikipedia’s finest articles.The featured article for Tuesday, 31 December 2024 is Minneapolis.Minneapolis is a city in Hennepin County, Minnesota, United States, and its county seat. With a population of 429,954, it is the state's most populous city as of the 2020 census. Located in the state's center near the eastern border, it occupies both banks of the Upper Mississippi River and adjoins Saint Paul, the state capital of Minnesota. Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and the surrounding area are collectively known as the Twin Cities, a metropolitan area with 3.69 million residents. Minneapolis is built on an artesian aquifer on flat terrain and is known for cold, snowy winters and hot, humid summers. Nicknamed the "City of Lakes", Minneapolis is abundant in water, with thirteen lakes, wetlands, the Mississippi River, creeks, and waterfalls. The city's public park system is connected by the Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway.Dakota people originally inhabited the site of today's Minneapolis. European colonization and settlement began north of Fort Snelling along Saint Anthony Falls—the only natural waterfall on the Mississippi River. Location near the fort and the falls' power—with its potential for industrial activity—fostered the city's early growth. For a time in the 19th century, Minneapolis was the lumber and flour milling capital of the world, and as home to the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, it has preserved its financial clout into the 21st century. A Minneapolis Depression-era labor strike brought about federal worker protections. Work in Minneapolis contributed to the computing industry, and the city is the birthplace of General Mills, the Pillsbury brand, Target Corporation, and Thermo King mobile refrigeration.The city's major arts institutions include the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Walker Art Center, and the Guthrie Theater. Four professional sports teams play downtown. Prince is survived by his favorite venue, the First Avenue nightclub. Minneapolis is home to the University of Minnesota's main campus. The city's public transport is provided by Metro Transit, and the international airport, serving the Twin Cities region, is located towards the south on the city limits.Residents adhere to more than fifty religions. Despite its well-regarded quality of life, Minneapolis has stark disparities among its residents—arguably the most critical issue confronting the city in the 21st century. Governed by a mayor-council system, Minneapolis has a political landscape dominated by the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL), with Jacob Frey serving as mayor since 2018.This recording reflects the Wikipedia text as of 00:31 UTC on Tuesday, 31 December 2024.For the full current version of the article, see Minneapolis on Wikipedia.This podcast uses content from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.Visit our archives at wikioftheday.com and subscribe to stay updated on new episodes.Follow us on Mastodon at @wikioftheday@masto.ai.Also check out Curmudgeon's Corner, a current events podcast.Until next time, I'm standard Joanna.

Call me naïve, but I still believe the government should work for everyone, whether you're rich or poor, young or old. Your color or your class shouldn’t mean different treatment by government agencies. So when I saw that Metro Transit had to suspend a route due to safety concerns, it made me angry and sad. The suspended stop is located at 12th Avenue S. and Jackson Street in Seattle's Chinatown-International District. While it’s not known as the wealthy neighborhood, there are a lot of hard working people there, small businesses and senior citizens. The fact that the city couldn’t protect their ability to safely catch a bus at their preferred stop is embarrassing and unacceptable.

Ridership up and crime down? 2025 looks promising for public transportation. Find out more from their GM, Lesley Kandaras.

In this week's episode of 365 Amplified, Rob Chappell, Omar Waheed, and Nicholas Garten dive into pressing local issues, exploring equity, accountability, and community challenges. From Madison City Council's resolution to censure Alder Charles Myadze over allegations of misconduct to the ongoing transit woes impacting Madison students, the team unpacks the complexities behind the headlines. The conversation also ventures to Sun Prairie, where systemic disparities come to light following the resignation of Principal Renee Coleman. Plus, hear the team reflect on adolescent insecurities during a light-hearted roundtable discussion, while addressing the power of community storytelling in amplifying underrepresented voices. Key Topics Discussed: Madison City Council and Alder Censure: Investigative reports and their implications for council proceedings. The significance of the censure resolution and public response. Broader discussions on fairness in addressing workplace harassment. Metro Transit and Student Accessibility: Recurring issues of buses skipping stops due to capacity. Community concerns about equity in student transit options. Proposed solutions and the systemic challenges of public transportation. Sun Prairie School District Controversy: Principal Renee Coleman's resignation and allegations of a double standard. The district's track record on equity and restorative practices. Impacts on faculty of color and broader implications for the community. In Memoriam: Remembering Pastor Richard Jones Sr., a beloved Madison community leader and advocate. Roundtable Reflection: Puberty and self-conscious moments—light-hearted stories from the hosts. Call to Action: A heartfelt appeal to support Madison365's mission through donations, amplified by the NewsMatch program. How to Support Us: Help us continue amplifying community voices and holding those in power accountable. Donate now at madison365.org/donate to have your contribution matched through the NewsMatch program. Contact Us: Have a story or concern to share? Email us at news@madison365.org. Follow Us for Updates: Stay tuned for follow-up articles on these stories and more at madison365.org.

Minnesota Senator Scott Dibble shares his criticism of Metro Transit for using a loophole to hide their report about former Police Chief Ernest Morales and his departure from the public.

Sean Skinner of FOX 9 joins Chad to talk about his 'No Stars' documentary sharing the stories of the North Stars and their departure. Later, Senator Scott Dibble joins to share criticism of Metro Transit and hiding their report on former Police Chief Ernest Morales.

Staci & Hutch have found some money in the show budget and have decided to hire a show reporter. Colin Pierce introduces himself and shares his report on the metro transit system, and wonders if the show has impacted any of the riders...Colin Pierce Reports on the Metro Transit System Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Staci & Hutch have found some money in the show budget and have decided to hire a show reporter. Colin Pierce introduces himself and shares his report on the metro transit system, and wonders if the show has impacted any of the riders... Colin Pierce Reports on the Metro Transit System Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Metro Transit has overhauled what their network will look like over the next couple of years, and they are looking for your input! Dive deep into the details with us, and provide official feedback by the end of the day today! Links Network Now project page Move Minnesota's response Attributions Our theme song is Tanz den Dobberstein, and our interstitial song is Puck's Blues. Both tracks used by permission of their creator, Erik Brandt. Find out more about his band, The Urban Hillbilly Quartet, on their website. This episode was edited and hosted by Ian R Buck, and was transcribed by Stina Neel. Many thanks to our guests Lesley Kandaras, Adam Harrington, and Ian Gaida. We're always looking to feature new voices on the show, so if you have ideas for future episodes, drop us a line at podcast@streets.mn. Transcript Find the full transcript on our website.

Nearly a dozen people were arrested yesterday evening after pro-Palestinian protesters occupied a building on the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus.Metro Transit said it's expanding the new Gold Line bus rapid transit route into downtown Minneapolis.This is the evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

David Levy is a candidate for the Regional Metropolitan Transit Authority's Board of Directors in District 2. The Transit Authority, also known as Metro, is responsible for running Omaha's bus system, including ORBT and MOBY services. Levy is running against Clarice Dombeck, who was on this show in June. You can hear my conversation with her wherever you get your podcasts. The first elected transit board will have seven nonpartisan members, one for each district. Prior to this year, seats were appointed by the mayor rather than elected. The change is part of Metro's increased budget and expanded regional services. Board responsibilities include determining transit policy, overseeing the budget and handling contracts. David Levy was born in Lincoln, and his family moved to Santa Barbara, California when he was 9. He earned both an undergraduate and master's degree in city planning at the University of California, Berkeley. He spent the first part of his career as a city planner in San Francisco. He earned a law degree from Hastings College of the Law, know known as University of California College of the Law, San Francisco. Levy now works as an attorney at the firm Baird Holm LLP, where he represents clients in land use and energy matters. He currently serves as a commissioner of the Omaha Housing Authority and as a member of the Omaha by Design board of directors. Before beginning his legal career, Levy was a city planner for the City and County of San Francisco. Levy also contributed to the City of Omaha's streetcar project. In this episode, Levy and Michael Griffin are talking about how Levy's early interest in architecture led to his career in law and city planning, his vision for transit equity, and how to increase civic engagement in Omaha. Here is my conversation with David Levy. Correction: A previous version of this text misidentified the school from which Levy obtained his law degree. It was Hastings College of the Law. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/riversidechats/support

In tonight's news... Metro Transit leaders gave a sneak peek of the new BRT route on Tuesday, as the new service is set to launch next month, The Wisconsin Veterans Museum is looking to the future, hoping to build a new museum on the Capitol Square, Our open records feature, Transparency Talk, adds one more to the team while talking body camera footage and a case before the State Supreme court on quasi-governmental corporations, Plus, what fishing for the Labor Day weekend and the Forward Madison football club competes for the Jägermeister Cup.

8/13 The Mayor starts with seven questions Tim Walz might want to answer regarding his fondness for China. Also, St Paul Mayor Melvin Carter wants to raise property taxes another 7.9%! Plus Johnny Heidt with guitar news.Heard On The Show:Mayor Carter delivers 2025 budget address for St. PaulNew details explain why Metro Transit police chief was placed on paid leaveNational Polls | FiveThirtyEight Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

8/13 7 questions Tim Walz might want to answer regarding his fondness for China. Johnny Heidt with guitar news. Heard On The Show: Mayor Carter delivers 2025 budget address for St. Paul New details explain why Metro Transit police chief was placed on paid leave National Polls | FiveThirtyEight Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andy B and Mental Health Minnesota are helping people on the light rail line who are having a rough go of it. 

Community activist Harry “Spike” Moss, 78, and Plymouth Avenue North share a historic connection in the struggle for civil rights of African Americans in Minneapolis. When Plymouth Avenue erupted in turmoil in the late 1960s, Moss was there to decry the racial oppression and discrimination that sparked the flames. Moss was also heavily involved with The Way and an alternative school called The City Inc., two organizations on and near Plymouth Avenue that helped improve the lives of African Americans. On Tuesday, Moss was back on the avenue in front of 400 people on hand to watch the city honor Moss by renaming a stretch of Plymouth Avenue as “Spike Moss Way.” “I need to publicly say thank you for everybody that stood up with me; everybody that marched with me; everybody that's fought side by side with me,” Moss said. Speaking from a covered stage located not far from where The Way once stood — a site which is now the 4th Precinct Police Station — Moss singled out a few people who helped him throughout his life. He gave credit to his cousin, Richard Harris, who traveled from Davenport, Iowa, for being “the first person that directed me as a little boy.”Harris and Moss spent summers together in Missouri when they were youngsters.“No matter what I did, he told me what was right and what was wrong. He never let me make any mistakes,” Moss said.When Moss moved to Minneapolis, he would find new mentors like boxing coach Ray Wells. He told Moss' mother he would train and take care of her son.Wells didn't just train Moss to box, he taught Moss valuable life lessons, namely, no smoking, no drinking, no drugs. “I have lived that life that Ray Wells gave me,” Moss said of his days protesting on the streets. “When I started marching, he would always take the right side of my shoulder to protect me, and he would physically protect me. And he did that my whole life.”Artists, activists, elected officials and close friends took to the stage to honor Moss.Most highlighted how Moss served the community and inspired its members. That list included northsiders such as Terry Lewis who would go on to co-found Flyte Tyme Studios with Jimmy “Jam” Harris; musician Andre Cymone whose mother Bernadette Anderson not only took in Cymone's bandmate Prince but also mentored Moss and other young activists.  “I'm telling you that Spike Moss was the leader, the valiant, brave brother that inspired me and a whole generation,” said Attorney General Keith Ellison. “Your Minnesota president of the Minnesota Senate is Bobby Joe Champion, a disciple of Spike Moss. Your Minnesota attorney general grew up listening to Spike Moss.”While Moss spoke out against discriminatory police practices, Ellison said, Moss also criticized community violence.“So Spike has always been ready to call everybody to account, the government, our own community, everybody,” he said. “He's calling us all to be better all the time.”Ellison thanked Moss for everything he's done for the community.“This whole community owes you a debt of gratitude. This nation owes you a debt. This world owes you a debt,” he said.The attorney general had one last anecdote. “I was in London, England, talking about the George Floyd case, and somebody asked me, ‘How is Spike Moss doing?'” Ellison said. “That's a true story.” The city doesn't usually name streets after people who are still alive — but the city council made an exception and approved the application submitted by Council Member Jeremiah Ellison.“We were able to get it done for Spike now so he can see it,” said Moss' close friend Tyrone Terrill, president of the African American Leadership Council. Terrill said efforts by Sen. Bobby Champion, DFL-Minneapolis, Council Member Ellison, Mayor Jacob Frey and others made the street renaming possible.Spike Moss Way is located between Newton and Lyndale Avenues along Plymouth Avenue.Moss began his advocacy for civil rights in the 1960s and over the decades has focused on violence prevention, including brokering a truce between gang members in the 1990s. He's pushed successfully for Metro Transit to hire Black bus drivers. “This is a bigger victory for the community than [it] is for Spike,” Terrill said. “What it does say to our young people is we should respect Plymouth Avenue even more now.”The community's youth need to understand Moss' personal sacrifice to serve all people, he said.“When you have these jobs as community leaders, community activists, as nationalists, it takes away from your family, from your wife, from your children,” Terrill said. He credited Moss' wife Sharron.“Many times you should be home, but when somebody calls and says, ‘I need help,' then you go.” Moss told the people gathered Tuesday that love was his guide.“To this community, everything I did for you was love. I love my people. I often say in my speeches, ‘I love my people.' I love you when you're up, I love you when you're down,” Moss said. “I might not love all that you do, but you can damn sure bet I love my people.” 

Sheletta chats with her friends at Metro Transit to talk about their TAP program that allows riders to get $1 rides on buses and light rail lines if they qualify.

In this month's Minneapolis A.I.R. (American Indian Relations) episode, guest host Christine McDonald, American Indian Community Specialist, brings us Damōn Chaplin, City of Minneapolis Commissioner of Health and Ernest Morales, Chief of Metro Transit Police. Learn about how the Minneapolis Health Department and Metro Transit work to make our communities, buses and trains safe, healthy…

Here's your local news for Thursday, June 27, 2024:We check out Metro Transit's new public outreach program,Attend the groundbreaking ceremony for two apartment buildings on the city's north side,Get the scoop on Milwaukee's extensive - and secretive - surveillance system,Sit down with a local doula,Fight drafty windows,Explore the history of food guidelines,And much more.

NYC native Ernest Morales, III had a tough upbringing.  That upbringing led him to a life of athletics and the NYPD. After a long and distinguished career in the Big Apple, he took his talents to the Twin Cites of Minneapolis & Saint Paul, Minnesota. Learn more about his journey in this episode.

We were able to talk to PWHL Minnesota star Taylor Heise fresh off of her Walter Cup win in Boston Wednesday night and then we played Card DeSharks between Kathy and Rolf. Also do we really need another metro transit AND extra agents?

The bus system is one of the most visible aspects of city infrastructure, and it's one of the most rapidly changing aspects of life in Madison. On today's show, WORT […] The post Update on Metro Transit Redesign and BRT Launch appeared first on WORT-FM 89.9.

Here's your local news for Monday, May 20, 2024:We find out why experts are calling for more avian flu testing,Get the scoop on Metro Transit's new bus-tracking technology,Learn how Wisconsin prosecutors have an uneven system for tracking police caught lying,Celebrate singer-songwriter Utah PhilipsTake a closer look at a popular cocktail,Review two new movies,And much more.

Metro Transit, a service of Bi-State Development, may tighten its Call-A-Ride reservations window. Disability rights advocates say that would make existing service gaps even worse. Taulby Roach, President and CEO of Bi-State Development talks about the proposed policy change. Jeanette Mott Oxford, Paraquad Public Policy & Advocacy Manager, and Seyoon Choi, former Parquad Public Policy Intern, also join the conversation to discuss what a local advocacy group has recommended instead.

There's a linear park in Uptown called "the Mall" that functions more like a parking lot. In 2020, after two years of community engagement, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board adopted a long-range plan that transforms some of the Mall's parking area into actual "forested and green space" and includes additional amenities like a community garden. But now that the plan is about to be implemented, a pair of commissioners elected in 2021 appear determined to scrap the plan in the name of public safety. For this conversation, John is joined by Melody Hoffmann of https://southwestvoices.news. We talk about the parking concerns and, more urgently, the public safety concerns being used as cover for the parking concerns; why Minneapolis Fire Chief Bryan Tyner is recommending against a plan he concedes he has never seen; why a park commissioner would discard years of community engagement in the name of listening to the community; how MPRB ordinance prohibits overnight parking on all parkways, including the Mall, which means the thing they're trying to preserve (24 hour residential parking) is not a legal use to begin with. We're also talking about the latest on the Uber and Lyft saga, now that DFL leaders in the MN House and Senate have come to an agreement with the Minneapolis City Council on pay rates; Metro Transit's new service for disabled riders; and as always some recommendations. Read John's post here: https://wedgelive.com/plan-to-expand-forested-green-space-in-uptown-at-risk-over-parking-concerns/ Watch: https://youtube.com/wedgelive Join the conversation: https://twitter.com/wedgelive Support the show: https://patreon.com/wedgelive Wedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper x LaFontsee

The best bus drivers in the country are currently competing at the international level, and that includes Minnesota Metro Transit driver Jeanne. She is in Portland, Ore., for the American Public Transportation Association's International Bus Roadeo.

A Lino Lakes City Council meeting Monday night got heated after a development proposal including a mosque was met with both vitriol and support. We heard more from the developer about what's next.Have you noticed more morning birdsong recently? A new book identifies the songs and species of more than 250 Minnesota birds.Tuesday is the last day of National Poetry Month. State Poet Laureate Gwen Westerman joined MPR News to celebrate and read poetry.A Metro Transit bus driver is competing with the best of the best in a international bus “Roadeo.”Plus a new musical highlights a 1930s Chinese-American sister-singing group from the Twin Cities. We talked to the playwright.

Metro Transit plans to have 24 non-police agents to enforce light rail fares and rules — but right now, they only have half that number. And the Minnesota State Patrol says the patrol needs an updated headquarters. Currently, the patrol has offices across state, but it says those offices are outdated and far too small. This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.Read the latest edition of the AM Update newsletter.Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or RSS.

It's been a tough time for public transportation. Passengers are slowly coming back to Metro Transit buses and light rail trains after a steep drop during the COVID-19 pandemic. But the average number of riders is still just over half of what it was in 2019, according to Metro Transit. Safety remains a top concern. Passengers in the Twin Cities say it's not unusual to see people openly using drugs or smoking on the trains. Riders and transit staff have been harassed and even assaulted.Reported crimes were up by a third in 2023 compared to 2022, and though assaults are rare and crime has declined in recent months, certain routes continue to attract trouble.In February, a man was shot during a robbery on a light rail train on the Green Line in St. Paul. In early March, a rider was treated for injuries after being stabbed on a Green Line train. Earlier this year, a man died of a drug overdose on the Green Line. He had been found unresponsive when the train pulled into a stop late at night in front of the State Capitol.MPR News host Angela Davis talks with two Metro Transit leaders about how the transit system is addressing safety and expanding some routes.Police and security staff have stepped up their presence. More official staff are starting to ride buses and trains, including outreach workers to connect people with services and TRIP agents, who give directions, explain rules and check for fare compliance.Guests:  Lesley Kandaras has served as Metro Transit's general manager since July 2023. She joined the Metropolitan Council in 2012 as a senior project coordinator and in 2019 moved to Metro Transit, a division of the Met Council, to serve as senior manager-policy development.  Ernest Morales III started as Metro Transit police chief at the beginning of 2023. He spent most of his career with the New York City Police Department, including stints as a deputy inspector and as commanding officer in a transit division in the Bronx. Before moving to Minnesota he served as first deputy police commissioner in Mount Vernon.   Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.  Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.    

Last month the city of Minneapolis broke up one of the area's largest homeless camps. More than 100 people had been living in tents and other temporary structures at Camp Nenookaasi for months.The encampment is just one of many signs that an increasing number of people in Minnesota are living without stable shelter. People without housing are also riding Metro Transit buses and trains to find safety and warmth. They're sleeping in out-of-the-way corners of the skyways and living in their cars.  The reasons for the rise in unsheltered people are complex, and government and social services are struggling to respond. Last week, a faith-based organization in Ramsey County announced it would start putting up people in area churches to help house some of the families who are overwhelming Hennepin County's emergency shelter program.MPR News host Angela Davis talks about why we're seeing a rise in visible homelessness and possible solutions.Guests:  Monica Nilsson has operated street outreach, shelter and housing programs in the Twin Cities area for 30 years. She serves on the boards of Trellis, a housing developer and property manager of 5000 units throughout Minnesota, Mile in My Shoes, whose mission is collective transformation through running and reducing social isolation and Peace House.Sgt. Beverly Rodriguez oversees the Metro Transit Police Department's Homeless Action Team. She and three outreach officers patrol buses, trains and transit centers and connect people without shelter to emergency shelter, housing vouchers and other resources.  Milton Manning is a U.S. Navy veteran who once experienced homelessness. He currently serves as a justice consultant for the state's Interagency Council on Homelessness and works at Peace House, a community center serving people sleeping outside and low-income adults in Minneapolis.Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.  Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.    

The new Transit Rider Investment Program starts today in the Twin Cities. Agents will ride trains and check fares as part of Metro Transit's broader safety and security action plan. And more details have been released about the Burnsville standoff where three first responders were killed Sunday. Shannon Gooden eventually fired more than 100 rifle rounds at law enforcement and first responders, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension said.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.Read the latest edition of the AM Update newsletter.Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or RSS.

Chip Scoggins joins for his regular Monday visit to talk about the Super Bowl and last week's rumors that PJ Fleck would be leaving the Gophers for UCLA. Plus, Chad speaks with Metro Transit Police Chief Ernest Morales about safety concerns, Metro Transit joining social media and more.

Metro Transit Police Chief Ernest Morales joins Chad to speak about safety concerns aboard trains and busses, cracking down on fare evasion, opening social media accounts to spread news and much more.

Updated: 4:45 p.m.The city of Minneapolis began clearing Camp Nenookaasi, a large encampment of unsheltered people, just before noon Thursday.More than 100 people have been living in tents and other temporary structures at Camp Nenookaasi for months. Most of the residents who have been living at the encampment are Native people.Police waited into the late morning for people to move out. There were no apparent confrontations between residents and police.Residents of the camp, located near the intersection of 23rd Street and 13th Avenue, started folding tents and gathering belongings after a pre-dawn breakfast. The mood was somber then purposeful as the sun came up.   As the day progressed, people gathered for a news conference held by the camp. The gathering included camp organizer Nicole Mason, Minneapolis council members Jason Chavez and Elliott Payne, Rep. Aisha Gomez, DFL-Minneapolis, residents and others.Tribal leadership also spoke. Red Lake Nation Tribal Secretary Sam Strong described the need for a healing center to be built in the area as an option for those needing services, and the Red Lake Nation being a partner in that pursuit.“Today is about creating a future where we can build this healing center,” said Strong. “The Red Lake Nation is committed to being that partner, to build a space where our people can go when it gets cold, to build a space where our people can learn and relearn our language, our culture, our way of life, the tools to bring them back into society, to bring them on the Red Road. And to do that, we need the cooperation of state, city, federal partners.”A Metro Transit bus was reportedly onsite to transport people leaving the camp to a warming center. Regina Medina updates Tom Crann on All Things Considered about the clearing of Camp Nenookaasi by Organizations in the area have expressed their concerns about the encampment. Sharon Day is the executive director of the Indigenous Peoples Task Force, which operates a housing complex adjacent to the encampment. Day outlined support of the camp's closure in a press release and listed several concerns related to the camp.“We are aware of the over 100 police reports, including sexual assault, human trafficking, other violence and drug trafficking,” wrote Day. “We are concerned about the fires burning within feet of residential buildings, including buildings clad in cedar. We have had vandalism including our vehicle being drilled to access fuel.” The Indigenous Peoples Task Force supports government leadership providing more resources for housing.Late last week, Minneapolis officials set the latest date for closure of the camp for Thursday morning. The city had previously delayed the closing twice because it was working to find places for camp residents to live, at least temporarily.   Camp organizer Nicole Mason said she will continue to work on their behalf. “My goal and their goal have not changed. They all want housing. We want the healing center. They want recovery,” Mason said. Many people in the camp struggle with opioid use disorder. A city of Minneapolis spokesperson said in a statement earlier in the week that dozens of former Nenookaasi residents are in more stable housing situations. For many residents, their next move is unknown. Some may take their belongings to another location nearby, others may relocate to one of the shelter beds provided by the city and county. A city spokesperson previously said that local shelters will make 90 beds available to camp residents.Two residents of the camp tried to stop the closure, but a federal judge denied their request for a halt late Wednesday. The residents said in part that the eviction would affect their health and that there were no clear plans to preserve their belongings.  

Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty says her office will consider more wrongful conviction claims. She announced Tuesday they will establish a conviction integrity unit following Monday's release of Marvin Haynes from a Stillwater prison. A judge vacated his murder conviction after the Great North Innocence Project took up the case. Also, Metro Transit will soon deploy a code of conduct for riders. This is the evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Feven Gerezgiher. The theme music is by Gary Meister.

Hour 2: Jason talked about Metro Transit's latest plan to enforce fares on the LRT system. Cook talked about his silent retreat this weekend. And Karyn McCoy, VP Career and Corporate Relations at the University of St. Thomas, joined Jason to talk about Gen Z getting their career advice from TikTok.

Metro Transit is out with a new program to enforce paying fares on the LRT system. Will it work? And will it get to the core problems plaguing that system?

Starting Monday, Metro Transit will begin tougher fare enforcement. Community Service Officers will begin asking riders for their fares. Those who haven't paid will be issued a citation. Fines start at $35 for a first violation to $100 for a fourth. It's part of a push to clean up light rail platforms and trains, and bring ridership back up. Part of that also includes a new rider code of conduct, which will be voted on December 13th. Metro Transit General Manager Lesley Kandaras joined MPR News host Cathy Wurzer to talk about the changes and how fare enforcement impacts rider experience.

Metro Transit says it's getting tough on fare evasion, starting Monday. Why now? We talked to general manager Lesley Kandaras about efforts to boost enforcement -- and ridership -- on metro buses and trains. Some Minnesota schools are already using new reading tools that will be required by law. We talked to Catharine Richert -- a reporter and parent in Rochester -- about what she's hearing, along with Emily Hanford, host of the podcast that helped cause the change in curriculum. Feeling stressed? We learned about the science of forest bathing and a new study on its potential to help kids with their mental health. We checked in with a Minnesota blogger about what holiday pop-ups there are to see this season.

That's the big question. Jason's dubious, and talked to listeners about what Metro Transit's study is likely to accomplish.