CHATFIELD, Minn. (KTTC) – A study by Southeast Minnesota Together is examining the transportation needs in our 11-county area. The organization announced it has launched a website for everyone to take a survey.
According to the study’s project manager, Joel Young, all community members’ input is helpful; however, the survey is specifically designed for employers and organization leaders.
“We don’t have it quantified how many exactly we’re targeting, but we do have a good understanding of what a good result will look like,” he said. “The premise behind Southeast Minnesota Together is that there’s a need to improve transportation and transit related services in southeast Minnesota.”
Some of the survey’s questions include what transportation challenges employees/organization members face, whether the company/organization provides transportation services, and what solutions leaders would find beneficial.
Young said the research aims to develop a Transportation Management Organization (TMO)—an administrative body that helps find solutions with issues pertaining to transportation.
He explained a TMO does not provide commuting services such as shuttles. However, it helps other organizations provide such services more effectively. The study will determine whether a TMO is appropriate for the region.
“The point is to enhance services for all southeast Minnesota, make it a more sustainable region, and make every community more sustainable and resilient,” Young said. “In a way it’s a very narrow vision, but the premise is that there are needs. There’s an ability to meet those needs and certainly make enhancements.”
The deadline for the survey is on December 6 and the final report for the study is expected to be published no later than June 2025.
If you are interested in taking the survey, visit Southeast Minnesota Together’s website.
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