Transit

A renewed public safety push will bring more fare checks, social services outreach and an enhanced 24/7 security presence to the Twin Cities' Metro Transit system this summer.

Driving the news: A $2 million yearlong Transit Safety Intervention Project aimed at helping riders experiencing homelessness, substance abuse disorders and mental health challenges kicked off Thursday.

Black households in the Twin Cities are four times more likely to be carless than their white counterparts, with more than 20% reporting that they don't have a vehicle, per the National Equity Atlas.

Why it matters: Cars can help people get to jobs, groceries and other commitments. But they're also a key driver of access to health care, Axios' Adriel Bettelheim reports.

This weekend's Memorial Day road trips in Minnesota should be cheaper than last year.

Driving the news: Twin Cities drivers have paid an average of $3.50 per gallon of regular gasoline in May, down from $4.20 a year ago.

Minnesota cyclists will no longer be required to make a full stop at stop signs under a transportation bill passed by the House and Senate on Sunday.

How it works: Legislators passed what is known as the "Idaho stop:" It allows cyclists to treat a stop sign like a yield sign — they can roll through it, but need to be going to slow enough to stop if a vehicle is coming.

A hotly contested bill to give wage and job protections to Lyft and Uber drivers in Minnesota is heading for a House vote Wednesday, amid a last-minute push to pass the proposal before the Legislature adjourns Monday.

Driving the debate: Supporters say drivers, who work as independent contractors, deserve higher pay and an avenue to appeal being "deactivated" from the apps.