HF5151

Purpose

Extend the Metropolitan Council’s authority to generate revenue by selling transit-related merchandise, as well as food and beverages, to support transportation needs and improvements funded through the transportation capital improvement program.

Main provisions

• The Metropolitan Council may sell transit-related merchandise at a retail establishment and through an online sales system.
• The Council may sell food, beverages, and transit-related merchandise at transit stations.
• The Council may enter into agreements with private persons or entities to assist with marketing and sales authorized under this subdivision.
• Net proceeds from these sales must be used to fund improvements in the transportation capital improvement program.

Significant changes to existing law

• Adds Subd.16 to Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 473.405, creating an explicit authority for the Council to conduct merchandising and concession-style sales.
• Enables revenue generation from merchandising and concessions, with proceeds earmarked for transportation capital improvement projects.
• Allows public-private partnerships to support marketing and sales activities.

Impact and implications

• Creates a new revenue stream to finance transportation capital improvements.
• Expands the Council’s operations beyond traditional fare-related activities to include merchandise and concessions at stations and online.
• Encourages collaboration with private partners to run sales and marketing efforts.

Relevant Terms - Metropolitan Council - transit-related merchandise - retail establishment - online sales system - transit stations - private persons or entities - marketing and sales agreements - net proceeds - transportation capital improvement program - Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 473.405 - Subd.16