SF 2270

as introduced - 88th Legislature (2013 - 2014) Posted on 03/14/2014 08:46am

A bill for an act
relating to metropolitan transit; requiring Metropolitan Council to adopt
standards for light rail vehicles; requiring Transportation Accessibility Advisory
Committee approval of vehicle standards; requiring report; proposing coding for
new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 473.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

new text begin [473.4056] LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT VEHICLE DESIGN.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Adoption of standards. new text end

new text begin (a) By January 1, 2015, the Metropolitan
Council shall adopt and may thereafter amend standards for the design of light rail
vehicles that are reasonably necessary to provide access for, and to protect the health and
safety of, persons who use the service. All light rail transit vehicles procured on and after
January 1, 2015, must conform to the standards then in effect.
new text end

new text begin (b) The Transportation Accessibility Advisory Committee must review and approve
the standards and all subsequent amendments before the Metropolitan Council adopts them.
new text end

new text begin (c) The Metropolitan Council shall post adopted standards, including amendments,
on its Web site.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Minimum standards. new text end

new text begin Standards adopted under this section must include,
but are not limited to:
new text end

new text begin (1) two dedicated spaces for wheelchair users in each car;
new text end

new text begin (2) seating for a companion adjacent to each wheelchair-dedicated space; and
new text end

new text begin (3) further specifications that meet or exceed the standards established in the
Americans with Disabilities Act.
new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin METROPOLITAN COUNCIL REPORT REGARDING TRANSIT
VEHICLE DESIGN.
new text end

new text begin By February 15, 2015, the Metropolitan Council shall report to the chairs and
ranking minority members of the committees and divisions in the house of representatives
and senate with jurisdiction over transportation policy and budget concerning the cost of
adapting light rail transit vehicles currently in the fleet to the standards adopted by the
council under Minnesota Statutes, section 473.4056.
new text end