Daily ridership 3,700 (Q2 2013) | Website swtransit.org | |
Headquarters 13500 Technology Drive, Eden Prairie, MN Service type bus service, paratransit Destinations Eden Prairie, Chanhassen, Chaska, Victoria, Minneapolis, University of Minnesota, Fairview Hospital Southdale, Southdale | ||
SouthWest Transit is a public transportation agency that is based in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. The agency was created in the 1980s to improve public transit for the rapidly developing communities of Eden Prairie, Chanhassen and Chaska. Bus service was added to Victoria in the early 2000s. Bus service runs from about 4:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Monday-Friday.
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SouthWest Transit has been recognized locally and nationally for its outstanding service and commitment to its passengers. In 2004 SouthWest Transit (then known as SouthWest Metro Transit, the word Metro was dropped in 2007) was named Transit Agency of the Year.
The SWTC (Southwest Transit Commission) owns several park and ride lots and also has contracts to use other property for parking. The lots are at the following:
SouthWest Transit operates bus service from these lots to Minneapolis and the University of Minnesota.
Routes
* Southwest Transit's Flagship Route
New Park & Ride Facilities
SouthWest Transit has now opened three new park & ride facilities near Highway 212. The first, SouthWest Village, is at County Road 101 and Highway 212 in Chanhassen. The second new park & ride is East Creek Station in Chaska. That facility was opened in early June 2008 at the southwest corner of Highway 212 and County Road 41. Chanhassen Transit Station opened in December 2011 and is located north of Highway 5, just next to the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres on Great Plains Boulevard.
East Creek Station Expansion
Due to near capacity issues, in 2007 the East Creek Station Park and Ride CMAQ (Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality – a federal program) grant submittal was approved for the construction of 450 park and ride stalls, a transit station and busway. The new 450 stalls are structured parking (a ramp), and the station includes passenger waiting areas along with vending and restroom facilities. The total project cost $7.8 million. Bidding for the construction of the ramp and station is expected to take place in the spring/summer of 2012, with construction beginning later in the summer/fall and an opening of the new facility in September 2013. SouthWest is also in discussion with private developers to develop approximately one acre of land currently set aside for future development use. Options for the site include office, neighborhood commercial, and day care.
Records
Records of the SouthWest Transit Commission are available for research use. They consist of annual reports (1997-2005); management plans and budgets (1992-1993, 1995); oversight (1993-1994); and On the Move rider newsletter (2005).