SAINT PAUL, Minn. - Today, Representatives Rick Hansen (DFL–South St. Paul) and Frank Hornstein (DFL–Minneapolis) announced they will propose legislation during the 2024 legislative session aimed at increasing transit options for visitors to the Minnesota State Fair.
The bill draft, which is attached, directs the State Agricultural Society (the entity that oversees the State Fair) to develop a State Fair Transportation Plan along with the Metropolitan Council by August 1, 2024. The plan would work to double the transit service level due to a lack of reliable transit options this year. It would also work to reduce motor vehicle traffic and parking and would improve the overall transportation experience.
Rep. Hansen and Rep. Hornstein released the following statement on the proposed bill:
“It’s no secret that Minnesotans love our State Fair, and we want getting to the fair to be easy and accessible for everyone. After hearing from constituents and fairgoers, it is clear we should do more to support transit options. Every year, tens of thousands of visitors use park and rides, metro transit, express buses, and more to visit, and building on those options will help improve the transportation experience, reduce traffic, and promote more sustainable transportation options.”
On Friday, August 25th, the State Fair recorded a record attendance for that day of 164,741 visitors. The fair has consistently reported over 120,000 attendees per day, improving last year's attendance numbers as it returns closer to pre-pandemic numbers.
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