“They cost less than Metro Mobility, but more than fixed bus routes,” he said, without providing a dollar figure. But they are becoming more common as transit agencies work to meet riders’ demands for more personalized and accessible options, said Paul Skoutelas, president and CEO of the American Public Transportation Association.
“This shift is not merely a trend, but a direct response to evolving mobility needs, technological advancements and changing urban planning priorities,” he said.
Metro Transit plans to add two Micro service areas a year over the next few years, including around the Maplewood Mall Transit Center, the Northtown Transit Center in Blaine, the 98th Street Orange Line stop in Bloomington, Brooklyn Park’s Starlite Transit Center and in Minnetonka to a tie in to the Southwest light rail line when it opens in 2027. Mendota Heights is scheduled for 2028, when the southern end of the G Line begins.
MVTA’s Connect will now serve downtown Shakopee and Prior Lake, plus Mystic Lake Casino, Canterbury Park, St. Francis Medical Center, Town Square Mall and the Southbridge Crossing park-and-ride.
“It’s always been our intent to grow Connect and there has been support for several years to expand the service to Prior Lake and Shakopee,” said spokesman Richard Crawford. “We have capacity now to launch and we’re looking forward to providing additional transportation connections to riders in Scott County.”
Take the bus to Buck Hill
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