SouthWest Transit, amidst a period of increased ridership, has added new express routes, new buses, and even a new bike-share program. Motivating the agency, in part at least, for are the changes due if and when light rail arrives to the suburbs.
"Ridership on SouthWest Transit buses is up 11 percent from January to June, and the award-winning transit agency wants to keep the streak going."
"In February, SouthWest launched express service from Eden Prairie to Target’s Brooklyn Park headquarters, and this spring it debuted a new bike-sharing program that allows riders to leave their cars at home and pedal to and from its transit stations. Unlike Nice Ride Minnesota, users get to keep the bikes for the entire summer season, not just 60 minutes at a time. Later in the month the transit agency’s first double-decker bus will hit the streets, and come fall it will offer express service to both Vikings and University of Minnesota football games. Its current fleet of motor coaches will be updated with new seats, higher quality flooring and better lighting."
FULL STORY: The Drive: SouthWest Transit adds bikes, local routes
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