When I became general manager last July, I was often asked what my vision was for Metro Transit. In response, I would politely share that I didn't think that was quite the right question.
Instead, I shared that I wanted to see riders, transit workers, and partners all take an active role in creating a vision for Metro Transit’s future.
Through this process, we developed Metro Transit Forward, which not only describes what we do but why we do it and the measurable outcomes we'll use to report our progress.
Thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts and ideas with us while work to create Forward was underway.
At the heart of Forward is our combined mission and vision statement, which reads: We connect people, strengthen communities, and improve lives by delivering high-quality public transportation.
This statement is important because it recognizes that everything we do here at Metro Transit must be centered on the people and communities we serve.
Forward also has practical applications.
To advance our vision and mission, we’ve identified three strategic priorities – employees, experience, and service – that will be at the forefront of our work.
Focusing on these areas means putting energy and resources toward attracting and retaining transit workers, to consistently providing a service that is clean, safe and reliable, and to making service better and more widely available.
As riders, you deserve to know whether we’re delivering in these areas.
So, we will be sharing more performance data later this year and providing updates on Forward at least annually. I and other leaders will also continue to make ourselves available to hear directly from you.
Please visit metrotransit.org/forward to review our plans in greater detail and to find future updates.
Thank you again for sharing your thoughts, ideas, and passion for transit with us.
Continue the conversation
As we advance our work, we want to continue to connect with our community to provide opportunities for discussion and feedback. General Manager Lesley Kandaras and other Metro Transit leaders in August will visit multiple light rail stations for discussion and feedback. All are welcome to join them at the following dates, times, and locations:
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Friday, Aug. 16, 5-7 p.m., U.S. Bank Stadium Station
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Saturday, Aug. 17, 7-9 p.m., 46th Street Station
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Tuesday, Aug. 20, 6-7:30 a.m., Nicollet Mall Station
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Thursday, Aug. 22, 6-8 a.m., Snelling Avenue Station
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Sunday, Aug. 25, 5-7 p.m., Central Station
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Monday, Aug. 26, 6-8 a.m., Stadium Village Station
Additional in-person and virtual listening sessions will be held in October/November.