The St. Paul Pioneer Press highlighted the University of Minnesota's Transportation and Regional Growth study.

Here are some excerpts; the full column is available at www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/news/columnists/toni_coleman/5574596.htm.
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Transportation economists have found a way to stem urban sprawl and fund roads more equitably: Let the motorists pay the full cost of their decisions to move to the hinterland, say a 50-cents-per-gallon gas tax or a mileage-based fee of 3 cents per mile.

A recent congestion and sprawl report, "Market Choices and Fair Prices," gives policy-makers two suggestions to mull over: 1) be honest about transportation and land development costs; and 2) expand the number of activity-rich destination centers that can be served by transit.

"People aren't getting a true sense of what it costs. If they did, we would have better decisions, better use of resources. Economists feel if you get the prices right, you're going to have a more efficient system and much better decisions," said Robert Johns, director of the Center for Transportation Studies. Some people might still want to pay the costs, but at least they could make an informed decision.

The region is too spread out for transit to be affordable. But the study doesn't suggest restricting where people live. Instead, the study suggests zoning codes in the suburbs be relaxed to encourage a mix of employment, shopping and entertainment — creating more activity-rich destination centers like downtown St. Paul, downtown Minneapolis and the University of Minnesota, where transit does work well.

As growing areas develop, policy-makers should have an eye toward creating downtown-like centers that are conducive to transit. Of course, some people will still drive, but transit becomes an option to auto dependence.