Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In

Finally, there is a light rail line connecting the Twin Cities. The Green Line, running 11 miles from Union Depot in downtown St. Paul to Target Field in downtown Minneapolis, cost $957 million and took decades to build. The process of choosing stations was contentious but eventually incorporated the proposals of low-income communities that wanted them, and the line is already being held up as a model. It's not the fastest way between the two downtowns, but it might be the best way. Jeff and I discuss.

Then we sink our teeth into the Sightline Institute's proposal to change the property tax structure in order to incentivize better uses of downtown space. That might help some cities with their parking crater problem.

Finally, we rejoice at Calgary's decision to tear down a whole mess of parking outside one of its light rail stations, and we discuss the balancing act between preserving broad access to transit and creating walkable, compact communities where they belong: near transit.

We can't wait to read your thoughts in the comments.

P.S.: Get us on iTunesStitcher or the RSS feed.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Cyclists in Criminal Court Say Mamdani’s Bike Crackdown is a ‘Waste of Time’

The hearings reveal that the mayor's promise to end criminal summonsing against cyclists has not been kept.

February 3, 2026

‘Lowballing Victims’: Crash Survivors Furious At Hochul’s Car Insurance Proposal

Crash victims and a key state lawmaker are not yet sold on Hochul's car insurance scheme, and hope that the state listens.

February 3, 2026

Opinion: Transit Watchword Should Be Synergy, Not Scarcity

Two fantastic transit ideas — fast and free buses, and a 17-percent expansion of subway mileage — are being set up as adversaries. But they're complementary.

February 3, 2026

Does Hochul’s 125th Street Subway Have to Be That Expensive?

The western extension of the Second Avenue Subway has a $7.7-billion price tag that calls into question the very logic of building it at all — but advocates and researchers say the train is a good idea that could cost a lot less with some minor alterations.

February 3, 2026

Tuesday’s Headlines: ‘Stop Super Speeders’ Edition

The Super Bowl is Sunday in Santa Clara for sports fans, but it's today in Albany for us. Plus other news.

February 3, 2026

The Explainer: How Gov. Hochul’s Car Insurance Agenda Hurts Victims, Helps Big Car, Big Insurance

Why is Hochul fighting for worse insurance protections for victims of traffic violence?

February 2, 2026
See all posts