Progress Update! The Study is Complete, Moving Towards Implementation

The Southeast Minnesota Transportation Management Organization (TMO) Feasibility Study is now complete. The Study demonstrated that a regional TMO is both feasible and can play a critical role in supporting access, strengthening economic development, and improving quality of life across the region.

The Southeast Service Cooperative (SSC) will serve as the host agency for the TMO. SSC is a non-profit agency that works across all 11 counties in the Southeast Minnesota region, providing services to public and private schools, local governments, and other community-based organizations. As host, SSC will provide key administrative services such as human resources, IT, and financial management, in exchange for an administrative fee. The TMO will operate as a financially self-sufficient program within SSC.

The following are key findings identified by the Study.

  • TMO Structure - The proposed organizational structure for the Southeast Minnesota TMO is designed to be cost-effective, collaborative, and scalable. A hosted model will allow the TMO to launch within an established organization while minimizing startup costs and administrative burden.
  • Transportation Challenges - A TMO could play a critical role in addressing key transportation barriers across the region, including limited awareness of available transit services, underutilization of existing options, lack of coordination among transit providers, unmet employer transportation needs, and gaps in regional coverage.
  • Initial Priorities - The TMO’s initial priorities will focus on four major functions:
    1. Coordinating transportation providers and services
    2. Promoting transit and travel options
    3. Serving as a regional transportation information hub
    4. Creating a unified voice for transit advocacy in the region
  • Future Services and Capacity - As the TMO establishes itself, it can begin to offer additional services that address persistent operational and funding challenges. Future services will allow the TMO to adapt to regional needs, reinforcing its role as a catalyst for coordinated, equitable, and effective transportation solutions.


Next Steps for TMO Implementation

Launching a regional TMO will require ongoing outreach, strong partnerships, and sustainable funding. To build on the momentum of the feasibility study, the following steps are planned:

  • Continue to engage interested Steering Committee members to guide priorities, advocacy, and funding efforts
  • Share study findings through a regional roadshow to build awareness and support
  • Secure commitments from local partners
  • Establish a hosting agreement with the Southeast Service Cooperative
  • Pursue funding, including a state legislative request and federal 5310 grant applications.

These actions will help lay the foundation for a successful and sustainable TMO in Southeast Minnesota.