The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners voted to approve their annual contribution to the operating budget for the Green Line light-rail on Tuesday, 7-0, without public discussion. This year’s price tag is $6 million.
The county and Metro Transit have butted heads over the price tag in past years. The board tabled Metro Transit’s $5.8 million request in 2021, citing unexpected additional costs.
Conflict over yearly payments raised uncertainties about continuing to fund the service long-term, especially considering the decline in ridership brought on by the onset of COVID-19.
Riders have continued to cite safety concerns aboard the light-rail, with Metropolitan Council president Charlie Zelle acknowledging “pockets of bad behavior” last year. Metro Transit last month swore in former New York City police officer Ernesto Morales III as its new police chief.
