Road Construction Updates:
Washington Ave – Like last year, Washington Ave in Downtown
will be under construction this year causing us to have to re-route
service through Downtown.
I-94 Closure – MnDOT is conducting a major roadwork project
that will close part of I-94 westbound near Downtown
Minneapolis. A result of this closure is that at some point the
summer the westbound HOV lane on I-394 will be open to general
traffic, which could negatively impact all of SWT’s express services
out of Downtown. Staff is working with MnDOT to determine
when exactly these closures will occur and for how long.
35W/Lake St – The Lake St. stops on 35W will be closed as part of major roadwork on 35W making it
impossible to service the stops as currently serviced on Route 684. The current plan is to re-route Route
684 to take I-394 and Highway 100 between Downtown and Southdale and to have Lake St riders utilize
existing Metro Transit service to Southdale. The schedule start for this construction is spring 2018.
Looking for a way to go that extra mile?
SWT offers Seasonal and Hourly Bike Rentals!
Seasonal Pricing:
Daily Rentals Available from Zagster Kiosks:
Between 4/24 – 5/12 : Expires 10/20/17: Fee $75
SouthWest Station, Eden Prairie
Between 5/15-6/9: Expires 10/20/17: Fee $65
Chanhassen Transit Station, Chanhassen
Between 6/12-7:14: Expires 10/20/17: Fee $55
East Creek Station, Chaska.
Between 7/17-8/11: Expires 10/20/17: Fee $45
Pricing: $1/day
8/14 or later: Expires 10/20/17: Fee $35
Visit swtransit.org for more information!
On the Move, May 2017
Twins Baseball and Twins service is underway. Once again, SWT will be providing service to Target Field this year. SWT has secured the
same drop off location with the City of Minneapolis. Additionally, service will once again be provided beginning on opening day. Some
of the changes include, and depending on demand, will be provided up to the State Fair where it will be suspended for the year unless
the Twins are in a pennant race. Another change includes reducing service from four buses to three. Ridership, based on last year, still
has plenty of seats. We will be moving the end of the sixth inning bus to 20 minutes after the end of the seventh inning. There will be
two game end buses of 20 minutes and the final out and the “sweeper” at 35 minutes after the game.
CARVER
CHASKA
CHANHASSEN
EDEN PRAIRIE
TARGET FIELD
GAME
Carver Station
East Creek
SouthWest
SouthWest
4th St. Ramp
START
Ironwood &
Jonathan
Carver Pkwy.
Hwy 212 & 41
Village
Station
(Garage C)
Hwy 212 & 101
(time may vary due to
traffic conditions)
12:10 pm
10:00 am
10:10 am
10:20 am
Hwy 212 & Prairie
Center Dr.
10:30 am
1:10 pm
11:00 am
11:10 am
11:20 am
11:30 am
12:00 pm
3:10 pm
1:00 pm
1:10 pm
1:20 pm
1:30 pm
2:00 pm
7:10 pm
5:00 pm
5:10 pm
5:20 pm
5:30 pm
6:00 pm
TIME
11:00 am
SouthWest Transit is partnering with the Eden Prairie Park & Recreation
ARTS IN THE PARK EVENT that will be held across the road at Purgatory Creek!
Local & Regional vendors selling
glass, jewelry, paintings, wood
photography, sculptures and
more!
Live Entertainment
Twins Game—Pre-Game Party 9am-11:30am
Face Painting
(special service to the Twins Game from SWS at 11:30)am
visit edenprairie.org
Kids Activities
Drawings & Giveaways
For a complete schedule
of events!
Beer Tasting
FREE Inflatable Fun for Kids
Food Trucks
On the Move, May 2017
Games & Activities for the whole family!
SouthWest Transit is looking for your feedback on different aspects of the service ranging anywhere from policies to marketing
strategies. SouthWest Transit wants to use your feedback to better understand what improvements its customers would like to
see to their services.
SouthWest Transit appreciates any and all participation and constructive input obtained through the use of this program. To
encourage your participation, SouthWest Transit is rewarding SW Perks points to those who make a submission.
A new question will be posted on the second Tuesday of every month and remains open through the end of the month! Get
involved in SouthWest Cares at swtransit.org
June 6
Minnesota Zoo
June 13
Centennial Lakes Park
East Creek Station
Carver
Hwy 11 &
Ironwood Dr.
Chaska
Hwy 212 &
Hwy 41
Chanhassen
Hwy 212 &
Hwy 41
Eden Prairie
Hwy 212 &
Prairie Center Dr.
9:55 am
10:05 am
10:15 am
10:25 am
11:00 am
July 11
Walker Art Center
July 18
Mall of America
Depart from
Destination
2:00 pm
SouthWest Village SouthWest Station
SouthWest Station SouthWest Village
Arrive at
Destination
June 20
Science Museum of MN
Carver Station
June 27
Minnehaha Falls
East Creek Station
Carver Station
Eden Prairie
Hwy 212 &
Prairie Center Dr.
Chanhassen
Hwy 212 &
Hwy 41
Chaska
Hwy 212 &
Hwy 41
Carver
Hwy 11 &
Ironwood Dr.
2:35 pm
2:45 pm
2:55 pm
3:05 pm
July 25
MN Children’s Museum
August 1
MN History Center
With warmer weather fast approaching, we are looking forward to rolling out our summer
adventures program once again. Beginning Tuesday, June 6, we will be providing service to a
new adventure every Tuesday through mid August! This service is offered from our Carver,
East Creek, SouthWest Village and SouthWest Station stops.
On the Move, May 2017
August 8
Como Zoo
August 15
Big Thrill Factory
Proposed Fare Increase Transit Wide
That the Metropolitan Council authorize a series of public meetings on potential fare adjustments for regular route transit,
dial-a-ride transit and paratransit services operated and/or funded by the Metropolitan Council and approve information
scheduled to be presented at public hearings and public meetings for the purpose of public comment and input prior to
adoption of any regional fare adjustments.
As a result of inflationary pressures, growth in Metro Mobility demand, and reductions in Motor Vehicle Sales Tax (MVST)
receipts, the Metropolitan Transportation Division is facing a projected State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2018-2019 deficit of nearly $74
million. One of the recommended solutions to help resolve this projected deficit is a fare adjustment. The Metropolitan
Council last took action to increase fares effective Oct. 1, 2008. This action was an effort to raise revenues to offset a budget
deficit and to preserve the farebox recovery rate.
Fare Increase Proposal 1:
$0.25 Increase
Current
Fare Increase Proposal 2:
$0.50 Increase
Cash Fare Increases
Full Fare
Reduced Fare
Full Fare
Reduced Fare
Full Fare
Reduced Fare
Local Bus/METRO Regular Fares
$1.75
$0.75
$2.00
$1.00
$2.25
$1.00
Local Bus/METRO Rush
Fares
$2.25
$2.25
$2.50
$2.50
$2.75
$2.75
Express Bus
Regular Fares
$2.25
$0.75
$2.50
$1.00
$2.75
$1.00
Express Bus
Rush Fares
$3.00
$3.00
$3.25
$3.25
$3.50
$3.50
Limited
Mobility:
$0.75 / Ride
Limited
Mobility:
$1.00 / Ride
Limited
Mobility:
$1.00 / Ride
Public Hearings
Public hearings are opportunities for people to offer formal public testimony—delivered orally or in writing—on the proposed increase to
regional transit fares. There will also be information about the proposed fare increase available, and an opportunity for attendees to ask
questions about the proposal and its impact prior to the public hearing and after the close of the hearing.
Thursday, May 11—5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Chanhassen Library, Wilder Meeting Room
7711 Kerber Blvd, Chanhassen, MN 55317
Public Comment Period from April 13 to June 26, 2017
Mail: Public Information, Metropolitan Council, 390 N. Robert St., St. Paul, MN 55101
Email: [email protected]
Recorded Line: 651-602-1500
TTY: 651-291-0904
On the Move, May 2017
Shakopee Service Area No Shakopee-to-Shakopee Rides
SW Prime Service Increases – As part of the March service changes, SW Prime saw a significant
increase in service through the addition of two new vehicles throughout the day – In addition to
the added Prime vehicles to the service, the March service change also added time to existing
Prime vehicles to ensure adequate coverage throughout the day. To date, it appears these
additions have succeeded in filling the service gaps that were being experienced prior to the
service change. As always, staff will monitor the impact of these service changes and make
adjustments as required in order to maintain the quality and efficient service that is expected.
On the Move, May 2017
Rider Rep Ruminations
Fellow SouthWest Transit Riders, recently there was a news story that didn’t put
suburban transit in the best light. Even through the report was labeled a “Reality
Check”, it was far from being reality.
Jody Collis King
The segment not only used outdated information, it blurred the line between
express, reverse commute, and local operations, and lumped the various route
segments we operate against Metro Transit’s local operations. Even though suburban
operators like SouthWest have the lowest operating costs in the region, it’s difficult to
actually be less expensive when comparing routes in excess of 20 miles against
something that operates fewer trip miles, while having the ability to turn ridership
over throughout its actual trip, unlike an express route.
This is also true when comparing services like those we operate against LRT. Once constructed, LRT can be less expensive than
traditional bus operations (i.e. less drivers, and fuel), but what often doesn’t get included in the comparative statistics is the
huge capital costs needed to construct the line - $2 billion alone to construct the SWLRT line. When you actually compare our
suburban operations against others in this region including Metro Transit, we are not only competitive, but are more cost
effective than most.
So why is information like the “Reality Check” segment put out there? There is the likelihood that there will be reduced funding
to Metro Transit if current bills in the Legislature pass. Presenting certain transit functions in a better light may help encourage
the public to pressure legislators to fund the projects that the Metropolitan Council prefers. SouthWest Transit is a public
operator and we try our best to stay clear of the political gamesmanship. We are dedicated to providing the best service we
can to meet the needs of our customers in our service area.
As your Rider Representative and member of the SouthWest Transit Commission, I want to assure you that our system
operates efficiently while continuously monitoring the operations, making adjustments to better meet rider needs, as well as
improving our overall cost effectiveness. So as the old adage goes, don’t always believe what you hear. That’s my reality check.
SW Perks Referral Program
Referring your friends to SouthWest Transit
has never been easier or more rewarding!
May 15 – June 16 refer a friend to SouthWest
Transit by filling out the Rider Referral form at
swtransit.org.
When your friend decides to try out
SouthWest Transit, they’ll receive a free 1week bus pass, and you’ll be entered into a
drawing for a $100 Visa gift card.
On the Move, May 2017
Matt Fyten
Charlie Cochrane
Manager of Planning
Associate Transit Planner
Matt began his career with SouthWest Transit as an intern in
March of 2010. Prior to working at SWT, Matt was a Research
Assistant while attending the U of M’s Hubert H. Humphrey
School of Public Affairs where he received a Masters of Urban
and Regional Planning. Matt is very knowledgeable of the SWT
service area having grown up in Eden Prairie and served on the
Eden Prairie Commission and Eden Prairie Heritage Preservation
Commission. Matt and his wife Mollie reside in Shakopee with
their daughter Addison (1). Matt’s interests include music,
sports, politics, history, and going to the cabin.
Charlie started with SouthWest Transit as an intern in June of
2015. Prior to this, Charlie held an array of jobs in the healthcare
field. The included positions at a retirement home, as a personal
care assistant, and as a healthcare provider in a number of
Duluth group homes.
After completing the internship Charlie was hired on full time as
an Associate Transit Planner in November of 2015 and managed
to finally graduate with a BA in Urban and Regional Studies from
the University of Minnesota Duluth in September of 2016.
“I enjoy working at SWT because I truly enjoy the people I work
with and the work I get to do. SWT is constantly looking to
improve and try new things within all areas of the organization
and being part of that culture and doing what I can to help it
along makes for a challenging, fun, and rewarding career
where no two days are the same.”
“SWT provides a very comfortable environment with a huge
cast of very friendly people that make showing up for work
quite enjoyable. Being in a position where one can clearly see
the effect of their work from day to day is truly rewarding and it
is a pleasure to work somewhere that the motto ‘Expect the
Best’ is the standard mode of operating.”
Matt and Charlie are responsible for monitoring service performance, schedule planning and all things
associated with that including identifying new transit markets, day-to-day administrative detail including
assisting with marketing the services provided by SWT, ensuring quality for the customer, assisting in the
development of long range plans and pursuing grant opportunities.
On the Move, May 2017
Questions and Answers Related to the Southwest LRT Line:
Q: When is LRT coming to Eden Prairie?
A: 2020. It’s looking more and more like LRT will start operating from Eden Prairie sometime in the year 2020. However, if all goes as
planned, customers will start to see changes and construction beginning by the end of this year (2017).
Q: Will SouthWest Transit operate LRT?
A: No. Metro Transit runs all LRT lines in the Twin Cites.
Q: Will SouthWest Transit still operate its express bus service as it does today?
A: Yes. As part of the negotiations with the Metropolitan Council, SouthWest Transit will continue to be the only provider of express and
demand response transit (PRIME) in Eden Prairie, Chanhassen, and Chaska.
Q: Will this affect my Commute?
A: No. The majority of services you use today will remain intact. Some of the current mid-day and evening runs may be reduced, but an
alternative would be available via the LRT train. In summary, more transit options will be available to customers over what exists today.
Q: Will the train be faster?
A: No. It is estimated that the train will take 15-30 minutes longer than the current bus system. This is due to the fact the train will have 1517 stops between SouthWest Station and Downtown Mpls. The train will enter downtown behind Target Field and travel along 5 th street.
Current SouthWest Transit passengers getting on or off the bus west of 5 th street would either have to transfer on to a bus in the downtown
zone, or walk to/from their destination if using the train.
Q: Can I use the same fare payment (Metro Pass, UPass, etc) for the train and SouthWest Transit buses?
A: Yes. The Metropolitan Council controls all fares and fare paying process for the entire metropolitan region. Therefore all regional passes
as well as transfers can be used on either a SouthWest Transit bus or LRT train.
Q: Will SouthWest Transit continue to own the current parking ramp?
A: Yes. However, the Metropolitan Council will also construct an additional ramp for 450 cars. Customers using the bus or train will have
the ability to park in either ramp since there will be an interior connection between both.
Q: Will SouthWest’s office move?
A: Yes. As part of the negotiations with the Metropolitan Council, SouthWest Transit will vacate SouthWest Station. The Metropolitan
Council will demolish the station and construct a 450 stall parking ramp. As part of the arrangement the Council will also build a new customer waiting station across from the current station that both LRT and SouthWest Transit customers can use. Prior to the construction of
the new transit station, temporary waiting space will be constructed within the current canopy connecting the existing station with the
parking ramp. SouthWest Transit will be moving its administrative functions to a new facility in Chanhassen adjacent to the SouthWest Village Transit Station.
On the Move, May 2017