But earlier attempts by the Met Council to move to an administrative citation akin to a parking ticket were blocked by some Republicans in the Legislature who considered it soft on crime.

Source: https://www.minnpost.com/metro/2023/08/metro-transit-logs-45000-fare-enforcement-contacts-but-how-many-people-got-tickets/

From my limited vantage point in Minneapolis' far northwest corner, the southwest light-rail line has been contentious in part because the Met Council seems to have been habitually tone-deaf regarding local concerns and cost overruns.

Source: https://www.minnpost.com/community-voices/2023/10/informed-musings-on-the-idea-of-separating-metro-transit-from-the-met-council/

Met Council member Chai Lee – who voted against delay – said he was comfortable delegating authority to agency leaders to cut deals on their behalf.

Source: https://www.minnpost.com/metro/2023/08/met-council-members-rebel-against-11th-hour-vote-on-light-rail-project-delaying-blue-line-extension-for-a-few-weeks/

"You can't stop the Met Council, but you can influence them," David said.

Source: https://m.startribune.com/grassroots-groups-team-up-to-influence-big-transit-projects/600293295/