Metropolitan Council authorized to sell transit-related merchandise, food, and beverages.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Patty Acomb and 17 co-sponsors

Metropolitan Council may sell transit merchandise and food/beverages at stations and online, with net proceeds funding transportation capital improvements.

Introduction and first reading, referred to Transportation Finance and Policy

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Bill Summary: HF 5151 (Metropolitan Council authorized to sell transit-related merchandise, food, and beverages)

Purpose and intent

Authorizes the Metropolitan Council to sell transit-related merchandise, as well as food and beverages, at transit stations, through retail establishments, and via an online sales system.

Allows the Council to enter into agreements with private individuals or entities to assist with marketing and sales.

Key provisions and changes

New subdivision added to Minnesota Statutes, section 473.405 (Subdivision 16: "Certain sales authorized"):

The Metropolitan Council may:
Sell transit-related merchandise at a retail establishment.
Sell transit-related merchandise through an online sales system.
Sell food and beverages at transit stations.
The Council may enter into marketing/sales agreements with private persons or entities to support these activities.
Net proceeds from these authorized sales must be used to fund improvements in the transportation capital improvement program.

Effective date and geographic applicability:

The provision becomes effective the day after final enactment.
Applies in seven Minnesota counties: Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington.

Who or what is affected

Primary entity: Minnesota Metropolitan Council.

Affected activities:

Establishment and operation of retail sales of transit-related merchandise.
On-site sale of food and beverages at transit stations.
Online sales channel for merchandise.
Potential partnerships with private vendors/marketers.

Financial impact:

Net proceeds from sales are earmarked to support improvements within the transportation capital improvement program, directing revenue toward broader transit infrastructure investments.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduced and referred to the Transportation Finance and Policy committee for consideration.

No changes to funding mechanisms beyond directing net proceeds to the transportation capital improvement program; the bill does not specify tax changes or fees.

Effective date contingent on final enactment; applies specifically to the seven-county metropolitan area listed.

Additional notes

The bill enumerates a clear purpose to monetize transit-related branding and ancillary sales to bolster capital improvements.

No explicit caps, pricing rules, or consumer protections are described in the text provided; those details, if included in subsequent amendments, would affect implementation.

If you’d like, I can compare HF 5151 to current statute (473.405) to highlight exact statutory changes, or provide a brief impact assessment for stakeholders (Metropolitan Council, vendors, and transit riders).