A series of good questions

Ed Kohler over at The Deets shares an interesting experience with the 311 service in Minneapolis. His exchange:

From: Ed Kohler
Subject: Lake Street LRT Stop Elevators Smell like urine
They seem overdue for a thorough cleaning.
- Ed Kohler

The response:
Dear Mr. Kohler,
We appreciate your email. Light rail is owned and maintained by Metro Transit. They can be reached at 612-373-3333 or via their webpage at www.metrotransit.org
If there is anything else we can help you with please contact us. Thank you for emailing the City of Minneapolis.
Nancy
Minneapolis 311
Office 612-673-3000 Hours: 7 am – 7 pm (Monday – Friday)
Email minneapolis311@minneapolismn.gov
www.minneapolismn.gov

How would you interpret this response? Ed's interpretation seems pretty reasonable to me:

Interesting, eh?

If there is graffiti on my house, or my property wreaked of urine, would the city take the same approach? Would they tell people to call me to solve their problem? I doubt it.

If graffiti was reported on the Target store 50 yards from the stinky LRT elevators, wouldn’t 311 hold Target responsible for maintaining their property?

Why is Metro Transit, who owns property in the City of Minneapolis, treated differently than individual property owners?

This last question deserves a response. I could guess why, but my guess wouldn't be particularly charitable. Good on Ed for asking these questions.