S.F. No. 3054 - Local Bus and Transit Improvement Act

• Establishes a transit signal priority system planning working group to be convened by August 1, 2023, with representatives from Metro Transit, Department of Transportation, Minneapolis, St. Paul, Hennepin County, Ramsey County, Suburban Transit Association, University of Minnesota, and Move Minnesota, with a report due December 15, 2023.

• Directs the Metropolitan Council to implement a transit fare elimination pilot program from July 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024, on 2-4 regular route bus lines prioritizing routes with highest ridership, highest low-income riders, highest exclusive transit users, and significant connections to destinations.

• Requires a report on the fare elimination pilot program by February 15, 2025, evaluating effects on ridership, travel time, service equity, rider experience, fiscal impacts, and providing recommendations for future free transit service implementation.

• Appropriates unspecified amounts in fiscal year 2024 for transit fare elimination pilot program support, transit shelter replacement and improvements, zero-emission bus procurement (available through December 31, 2028), and arterial bus rapid transit expansion planning.

• Applies to seven counties in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area: Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington.