Acquire Legislative Action – SW Transit
  • 686X & 686L Route Service Alert: Expect Delays | 03/06/2026 - TBD READ MORE
  • 698 & 698U Route Service Alert: Expect Delays | Feb 23 - Nov. TBD READ MORE

Legislative Action

State Legislative Update

Thank You for Standing with SouthWest Transit

We want to extend our sincere thanks for your support during the recent legislative session. Thanks to your outreach and advocacy, the proposed bill (HF4111) did not advance, helping preserve SouthWest Transit’s ability to serve our community.

Your voice made a difference!

SouthWest Transit remains committed to providing safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation that connects people to the places, opportunities, and experiences that matter most. We’ll continue to keep you informed of any developments throughout the remainder of the year.

Thank you for being part of the journey.

State of SouthWest Transit
(What sets us apart)

SouthWest Transit (SWT) is the fastest growing transit agency in Minnesota according to 2025 NTD reports! We serve the southwest Twin Cities and operate under a joint powers agreement between Eden Prairie, Chanhassen, and Chaska. We also serve Carver, Victoria, Edina and parts of Shakopee. In 2026, we are celebrating 40 years of service to our community! 

  • In 2025, our riders took 614,062 trips – a 14.16% increase over the previous year 
  • Growth was primarily driven by trips on our regularly scheduled bus routes, which saw an increase of 24.6%

  • The 686 Route 
    • Was used 59.78% more than the service it replaced 
    • 686L: provides access along the I-494 corridor, including local businesses and employment areas 
    • 686X: provides direct service from SouthWest Station (Eden Prairie) to MSP Airport and the Mall of America (MOA) 
  • SW Prime Autonomous Vehicle (AV) Zone – the first AV service in the Twin Cities 
    • Part of our microtransit service (SW Prime) 
    • Was used 144.11% more than the service that came before 
  • Automatic Passenger Counters using AI technology made their debut, improving real-time service planning and ridership tracking

  • Rider surveys show 96-98% satisfaction across our services 
  • Community surveys show 61% positive vs. 14% negative perception of SWT

  • 71.6% of commuter bus trips are to work 
  • 46% of SW Prime (microtransit) trip purposes are for work

  • Our subsidy per trip on express bus services is 22% lower than Metro Transit ($12.07 vs. $15.42) 
  • Our 2024 administrative costs are 25% of total operating costs compared to 25% for Metro Transit and 33% for Met Council

  • We completed the Carver County Mobility Study, with results to be released in 2026 
  • Community engagement initiatives, including the Wrap-A-Bus design contest, connected local youth to our services 
  • We continue to coordinate with riders, cities, and regional partners on service planning

In the Media

  • Chaska “Citizen Portal”: SouthWest Transit reports 14% ridership growth, seeks Chaska support… Read More.
  • Press Release: SouthWest Transit Shares Yearly Update Highlighting Strong Growth, Efficiency, and Community Impact. Read More.
  • Eden Prairie Local News (EPLN): SouthWest Transit reports strong ridership growth in 2025. Read More.
  • Sun Sailor: SouthWest Transit sees growth as it enters 40th year. Read More.
  • KSTP: Suburban bus company in jeopardy under house bill. Watch here.
  • Eden Prairie Local News (EPLN): House committee backs plan to fold SouthWest Transit, other suburban agencies into Metro Transit. Read More.
  • Star Tribune: Transit plan could upend Twin Cities’ decades-old suburban system. Read More.
  • MN Legislature: Transportation panel approves plan for Metro Transit takeover of suburban routes. Read More.
  • Sun Sailor: Bill will fold SouthWest Transit, MVTA, Plymouth Metrollink into Metro Transit System. Read More.

Share Your Support – Easy Copy & Post Assets

This toolkit was created to make it easy for riders, community members, and partners / organizations / companies to show their support for SouthWest Transit. Whether you’re sharing as an individual or posting on behalf of an organization, these ready-to-use assets help you add your voice and amplify the message.

What’s Here & How to Use It 

Explore the graphic and caption options – we made two versions: 

  • Riders & community members (uses “I / me” language) 
  • Community partners & organizations (uses “we / us” language)
    • Partners & orgs – we also have some quick blurbs for your next newsletter! Check them out below

Choose the version that fits your role, download your favorite graphic option, and personalize the caption to reflect your own voice or organization (if you’d like)

Share on your social channels and tag us (our handles can be found in PDFs below)

For riders & community members:

Click HERE for a PDF of social media caption options 

Graphic Option #1: I Support SWT

Graphic Option #2: I Support SWT 2 

Graphic Option #3: Join Me – Show Your Support

Graphic Option #4: Let’s Use Our Voices

For community partners / groups / organization / companies:

Click HERE for a PDF of social media caption options 

Find newsletter blurbs HERE

Graphic Option #4: Let’s Use Our Voices

Graphic Option #5: We Support SWT

Graphic Option #6: We Support SWT 2

Graphic Option #7: Join Us – Show Your Suppor