Northfield Transportation Advisory Committee Meeting Date: April 15, 2026
To: Members of the Northfield Transportation Advisory Committee
From: Scott Wopata, Community Development Director
Title
Electric Vehicle Car Share Study Update and Startup Funding Models.
Body
Action Requested:
The Northfield Transportation Advisory Committee receives an update on Electric Vehicle Car Share Study Update and Startup Funding Models.
Summary Report:
The City of Northfield is Coordinating with RMI, as they have a grant from GM to assist with a study for Electric Vehicle car share program. Staff will share more information on what they have learned related to Electric Vehicle car share study and possible funding models at the meeting.
More information from RMI on the car share study is attached.
City Plans & Policies Relevance:
This work is supported by the City's 2045 Comprehensive Plan, Transportation Plan, and Strategic Plan.
The 2045 Comprehensive plans identifies these challenges:
* Community engagement identified a strong unmet need for reliable and effective public transit in Northfield.
* Public transit is provided by Hiawathaland Transit, offering two limited fixed routes, Dial-a-ride services, and a weekday regional route to Faribault every two hours.
* Current transit routes and transfer locations do not align well with areas of highest need, particularly census tracts with the greatest number of households without vehicles.
* Fixed routes are infrequent, have limited coverage, and only connect at the Transit Hub, resulting in long wait times and complicated transfers.
* Service hours (6 a.m. to 6 p.m.) do not accommodate second and third-shift workers.
* Limited transit access creates time, convenience, and financial burdens, especially for households that depend on transit.
* Major destinations (hospital, shopping areas) are located at opposite ends of the city, making cross-town trips difficult.
* While centrally located, the Transit Hub requires saf...
Click here for full text