Minnesota Valley Transit Authority
| |
| Founded: | 1990 |
| Headquarters: | 100 East Highway 13, Burnsville, MN |
| Locale: | Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, Rosemount, Savage, Prior Lake & Shakopee, Minnesota |
| Service Type: | Express, Local, On-Demand |
| Routes | 32 (+/-) |
| Hubs: | 5 Transit Stations, 7 Park & Rides |
| Operator: | Schmitty & Sons Transit Inc. |
| USDOT: | 1338726 |
| Annual Ridership: | 1,255,515 (2023) |
Minnesota Valley Transit Authority, commonly abbreviated to MVTA, is a transit system serving communities south of Minneapolis and St. Paul, including the cities of Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, Rosemount, Savage, Prior Lake and Shakopee, spanning both Dakota and Scott Counties.
Overview
The Minnesota Valley Transit Authority was formed in 1990 when the communities of Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, Rosemount, and Savage, Minnesota opted-out of Metro Transit service under a provision of the MN State Legislature. This provision allowed suburban communities to opt-out of receiving Metro Transit service and collect property taxes directly to operate their own service. In 2001 funding for transit shifted from property taxes to the motor vehicle sales tax, which the MVTA continues to receive it's funding from.
On January 1, 2015, the City of Prior Lake's Laker Lines and the City of Shakopee's Shakopee Transit, which operated jointly under the BlueXpress brand, were merged into the MVTA.
Operator
The Minnesota Valley Transit Authority contracts its fixed-route and MVTAConnect services to Schmitty & Sons Transit Inc., an operational division of Lakeville, Minnesota-based Schmitty & Sons. Prior to 2006, MVTA service was split between Schmitty & Sons out of MVTA's Eagan Bus Garage and Laidlaw Transit Services, Inc. out of MVTA's Burnsville Bus Garage.
Bus Rapid Transit
The MVTA was the first agency to operate a bus rapid transit line in the Twin Cities region. The Red Line, as it was called to align with regional naming conventions, debuted in 2013 and serves five stations along the Cedar Avenue/Hwy 77 corridor between the Mall of America and 154th Street in Apple Valley. The agency operated the route for seven years before the Metropolitan Council, the regional governing body, assigned it to Metro Transit.[1]
Vehicles
The MVTA purchased 7 Nova Bus LFX 40' units to operate on the line.[2] These vehicles featured a unique livery, with METRO branding similar to that used on LRT vehicles and a small MVTA logo on the front, which set them apart from the regular fixed-route service fleet. Red Line service was operated by these unique vehicles from opening day until December 2020, when operations were assumed by Metro Transit. All units have since been sold off, being either scrapped or bought by another agency.
Fares
Fares are collected as part of the regional fare system. See Twin Cities Metropolitan Area Transit Systems for more information.
| Fare Category | Time | Local | Express** | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ages 5 & under (limit 3) |
Anytime | Free w/ Paid Fare |
| |
| Youth (6 to 12) |
Non-Rush Hour | $1.00 | $1.00 |
|
| Rush Hour* | $2.50 | $3.25 | ||
| Adults (13 to 64) |
Non-Rush Hour | $2.00 | $2.50 |
|
| Rush Hour* | $2.50 | $3.25 | ||
| Seniors (65+) |
Non-Rush Hour | $1.00 | $1.00 |
|
| Rush Hour* | $2.50 | $3.25 | ||
| Persons with Disabilities |
Anytime | $1.00 |
| |
| Disabled Veterans |
Anytime | FREE |
| |
| MVTAConnect | Anytime | $3.00/one-way |
| |
*Note: Rush hours are generally Monday through Friday, 6-9 a.m. and 3-6:30 p.m.
**Note: Southbound Express trips departing Minneapolis and St. Paul are Pay as you Exit
Facilities
Administrative Offices
- Address: 100 East Highway 13, Burnsville, MN
- E-mail: mvta@mvta.com
- Phone: (952) 882-7500
Transit Stations
- Apple Valley Transit Station - 15450 Cedar Ave S, Apple Valley, MN
- Apple Valley Gaslight Drive Transit Station - 15584 Gaslight Dr, Apple Valley, MN
- Burnsville Transit Station - 100 East Highway 13, Burnsville, MN
- Cedar Grove Transit Station - 4035 Nicols Rd, Eagan, MN
- Eagan Transit Station - 3470 Pilot Knob Rd, Eagan, MN
- Marschall Road Transit Station - 1615 Weston Ct, Shakopee, MN
- Rosemount Transit Station - 14550 Burnley Ave S, Rosemount, MN
- 157th St. Station - 15865 Pilot Knob Road, Apple Valley, MN
Park & Rides
- Blackhawk Park & Ride - 4565 Blackhawk Rd, Eagan, MN
- Eagle Creek Park & Ride - 6600 Eagle Creek Blvd, Shakopee, MN
- Lakeville Cedar Park & Ride - 18040 Cedar Ave S, Lakeville, MN
- Palomino Hills Park & Ride - 12760 Pennock Ave, Apple Valley, MN
- Savage Park & Ride - 14121 Huntington Ave, Savage, MN
- Southbridge Crossings Park & Ride - 1401 Crossings Blvd, Shakopee, MN
Vehicle Maintenance
Vehicles are stored and maintained at the following locations:
- Burnsville Bus Garage - 11550 Rupp Dr, Burnsville, MN
- Eagan Bus Garage - 3600 Blackhawk Rd, Eagan, MN
Routes
MVTA routes are numbered according to the regional numbering convention, with 4 indicating the south metro areas of Dakota County and Scott County.
The following routes are active as of the December 2nd, 2023 winter service change:
| Local Routes | |
| 410 | 4FUN - Valleyfair / Canterbury Park / Mystic Lake / Mall of America |
| 420 | Apple Valley / Rosemount |
| 425 | OrangeLINK - Blackhawk P&R / Burnsville / Heart of the City / Apple Valley |
| 436 | 46th Street Station / Mendota Heights / Omni Hotel / Thomson Reuters |
| 440 | Apple Valley / Minnesota Zoo / Cedar Grove / VA Hospital |
| 442 | Mall of America / Apple Valley / Fairview Ridges / Burnsville |
| 444 | Mall of America / Cedar Grove / Burnsville / Savage |
| 445 | Mall of America / Apple Valley / Fairview Ridges / Burnsville |
| 446 | 46th Street Station / Mendota Heights / Eagan |
| 447 | Mystic Lake Casino Hotel / Savage / Burnsville / Apple Valley |
| 489 | Eagan / Downtown St. Paul |
| 497 | Marschall Road / St. Francis Regional Medical Center / Shakopee |
| 498 | SouthdaleLINK - Shakopee / Golden Triangle / Southdale |
| 499 | Marschall Road / Canterbury Park / Southbridge Crossing |
| Express Routes | |
| 460 | Burnsville / Downtown Minneapolis |
| 465 | Burnsville / Downtown Minneapolis / University of Minnesota |
| 470 | Eagan / Downtown Minneapolis |
| 472 | Rosemount / Palomino Hills / Downtown Minneapolis |
| 475 | Apple Valley / Cedar Grove / University of Minnesota |
| 477 | Lakeville / Apple Valley / Downtown Minneapolis |
| 480 | Burnsville / Downtown Minneapolis / University of Minnesota |
| 484 | Rosemount / Downtown St. Paul |
| 490 | Prior Lake / Shakopee / Downtown Minneapolis / University of Minnesota |
| 493 | Shakopee / Downtown Minneapolis |
| 495 | Shakopee / Burnsville / Savage / Mall of America |
Transit Fleet
Although the buses are operated by MVTA, the buses are owned by the Metropolitan Council and follow a regional numbering convention. MVTA buses are generally numbered as follows:
| First Digit | Second Digit | Third and Fourth Digits |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Last digit of year ordered (buses procured in 2012 and 2022 have a '2') | Order in which they were built |
Active Roster
| Fleet Number(s) |
Thumbnail | Build Date |
Manufacturer | Model | Engine | Transmission | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4050-4059 | 
|
2020 | MCI | D4500CT | Cummins X12 | Allison B500 |
|
| 4061 | 
|
2010 | MCI | D4500CT | Cummins ISM | Allison B500 |
|
| 4111-4112 | 
|
2009 | MCI | D4500CT | Cummins ISM | Allison B500R |
|
| 4127-4139 | 
|
2021 | Gillig | BRT 40' (G27D102N4) |
Cummins L9 | Voith D864.6 |
|
| 4140-4150 | 
|
2021 | Gillig | BRT 40' (G27D102N4) |
Cummins L9 | Allison B3400xFE | |
| 4250-4251 | 
|
2012 | Gillig | BRTPlus 40' (G27D102N4) |
Cummins ISL9 | Voith D864.5 |
|
| 4263 | 
|
2012 | MCI | D4500CT | Cummins ISX12 | Allison B500R |
|
| 4265-4266 | 
|
2022 | Gillig | BRT 40' (G27D102N4) |
Cummins L9 | Allison B3400xFE |
|
| 4362-4363 | 
|
2013 | MCI | D4500CT | Cummins ISX12 | Allison B500R |
|
| 4377-4382 | 
|
2013 | Gillig | BRTPlus 40' (G27D102N4) |
Cummins ISL9 | Voith D864.5 | |
| 4383-4384 | 2023 | Gillig | BRT 40' (G27D102N4) |
Cummins L9 | Allison B3400xFE |
| |
| 4483-4485 | 
|
2014 | MCI | D4500CT | Cummins ISX12 | Allison B500R |
|
| 4501-4522 | 
|
2015 | Gillig | BRT 40' (G27D102N4) |
Cummins ISL9 | Voith D864.5 |
|
| 4523-4525 | 2015 | MCI | D4500CT | Cummins ISX12 | Allison B500 |
| |
| 4526-4530 | 
|
2016 | MCI | D4500CT | Cummins ISX12 | Allison B500 |
|
| 4755-4773 | 
|
2017 | Gillig | BRT 40' (G27D102N4) |
Cummins L9 | Voith D864.6 |
|
| 4774-4780 | 
|
2017 | MCI | D4500CT | Cummins ISX12 | Allison B500 |
|
| 4831-4843 | 
|
2018 | MCI | D4500CT | Cummins ISX12 | Allison B500 | |
| 4844-4856 | 
|
2018 | Gillig | BRT 40' (G27D102N4) |
Cummins L9 | Voith D864.6 |
|
| 4948-4951 | 2019 | Gillig | BRT 40' (G27D102N4) |
Cummins L9 | Voith D864.6 |
|
Retired Roster
Historically the MVTA bus fleet has consisted largely of second-hand units, many of which were transferred from Metro Transit
Demonstration Roster
| Fleet Number(s) |
Thumbnail | Build Date |
Manufacturer | Model | Engine | Transmission | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200 | 2000/ 2001 |
MCI | D4500 | Detroit Diesel Series 60 | Allison B500R |
| |
| (None) | 2007 | Alexander Dennis | Enviro500 | Cummins ISL9 | Allison B500R |
| |
| (None) | 2008 | Nova Bus | LFX 60' | Cummins ISL | ZF 6HP604C |
| |
| SR1321 | 2009 | New Flyer | XDE40 | Cummins ISL | Allison EP40 |
| |
| (None) | 2011 | Nova Bus | LFS HEV | Cummins ISB6.7 | Allison H 40 EP |
| |
| (None) | 2014 | Alexander Dennis | Enviro500 | Cummins ISL9 | Allison B500R |
| |
| (None) | 2016 | Alexander Dennis | Enviro500 'SuperLo' |
Cummins ISL9 | Allison B500R |
| |
| (None) | 2017 | Proterra | Catalyst E2 | UQM HD220 electric motor |
Eaton EEV 7202 |
| |
| 4329 | 2022 | Karsan | e-Jest | BMW eDrive 135kW synchronous motor |
Single-Speed Automatic |
||
| 4365 | 2018 | MCI | D45 CRT LE | Cummins X12 | Allison B500 |
|
MVTA Connect
| |
| Founded: | June 3, 2019 |
| Locale: | Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, Rosemount, Savage |
| Service Type: | On-Demand |
| Website: | www.mvta.com/connect |
MVTA Connect is an on-demand, app-based Microtransit service offered by the Minnesota Valley Transit Authority.
Since 2019, MVTA Connect has expanded to serve Apple Valley, Burnsville, Rosemount, and Savage, contained within the 'Main Area'. In addition, MVTA Connect also operates within the city limits of Eagan, disconnected from the primary zone.
History
MVTA Connect launched June 3, 2019, with service coverage from central Savage to Western Burnsville. Gradually, the service area was expanded to include additional suburbs. MVTA Connect operates a slew of cutaway vehicles from manufacturers such as ARBOC, Champion, and New England Wheels, in addition to a pair of ADA-accessible vans. In 2023, MVTA Connect became the first US Transit operator to utilize the Karsan e-Jest as part of a pilot program.[17] As of February 2024, MVTA continues to operate the individual portions of Connect separately.
On March 15, 2024, MVTA introduced 5 additional Connect vehicles, in the form of BraunAbility CompanionVan ADA-equipped vans.
Current Roster
| Fleet Number(s) |
Thumbnail | Build Date |
Manufacturer | Model | Engine | Transmission | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 401 | 2021 | Chrysler BraunAbility |
Voyager LXi | Chrysler 3.6L Pentastar V6 |
FCA/ZF 948TE 9-speed automatic |
||
| 4076-4080 | 
|
2020 | Ford Champion |
E-450 LF Transport |
Ford 6.8L Triton V10 |
Ford 5R110W 5-speed automatic |
|
| 4081 | 2014 | Ford | Transit 350 HD XLT | Ford 3.7L Ti-VCT V6 |
Ford 6R80 6-speed automatic |
||
| 4151-4153 | 2021 | Ram New England Wheels |
ProMaster Frontrunner |
Chrysler 3.6L Pentastar V6 |
Chrysler 62TE 6-speed automatic |
||
| 4385-4389 | 2023 | Ram BraunAbility |
ProMaster CompanionVan ADA |
Chrysler 3.6L Pentastar V6 |
Chrysler 948TE 9-speed automatic |
||
| 4486-4487 | 2014 | Ford Elkhart Coach |
E-450 EC II |
Ford 6.8L Triton V10 |
Ford 5R110W 5-speed automatic |
||
| 4531-4532, 4534-4535 |
2015 | Chevrolet ARBOC |
Express 4500 Spirit of Mobility 26D |
GM 6.6L Duramax V8 |
GM 6L90-E 6 speed automatic |
||
| 4828-4830 | 2018 | Chevrolet Glaval Bus |
Express 4500 Titan II LF |
GM 6.0L Vortec V8 |
GM 6L90 6 speed automatic |
On Order
| Fleet Number(s) |
Thumbnail | Build Date |
Manufacturer | Model | Engine | Transmission | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (5 units) | 2024 | Karsan | e-Jest | BMW eDrive 135kW synchronous motor |
Single-Speed Automatic |
||
| (1 unit) | 2023 | Ford Driverge |
Transit 350HD XLT AWD |
Ford 3.7L Ti-VCT V6 |
Ford 6R80 6-speed automatic |
| |
| (3 units) | 2024 | ||||||
| (6 units) | 2024 | Chevrolet ARBOC |
Express 4500 Mobility |
TBD | TBD |
|
Support Fleet
A handful of support vehicles are operated by both MVTA and Schmitty & Sons.
Current Roster
| Fleet Number(s) |
Thumbnail | Build Date |
Manufacturer | Model | Engine | Transmission | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | 2003 | Dodge | Grand Caravan SE | Chrysler 3.3L EGA V6 |
Chrysler 41TE 4-speed automatic |
| |
| 102 | 2016 | Chevrolet | Equinox LT AWD | GM 2.4L LEA Ecotec I4 |
GM 6T45 6-speed automatic |
| |
| 112 | 2019 | Ford | Transit Connect XL | Ford 2.0L Duratec TI-VCT I4 |
Ford 8F35 8-speed automatic |
| |
| 121 | 2005 | Ram | 1500 Tradesman 4x4 | Chrysler 4.7L PowerTech V8 |
Chrysler 5-45RFE 5-speed automatic |
| |
| 7294 | 2022 | Chrysler | Voyager LX FWD | Chrysler 3.6L Pentastar V6 |
Chrysler 948TE 9-speed automatic |
| |
| 8049 | 2000 | Chevrolet | C3500 (GMT400) 2WD | GM 7.4L Vortec 7400 V8 |
GM 4L80-E 4-speed automatic |
| |
| 8149 | 2018 | Chevrolet | Equinox LT AWD | GM 1.5L LYX I4 | GM 6T40 6-speed automatic |
| |
| 8156 | 2020 | GMC | Terrain SLT AWD | GM 1.5L LYX I4 | GM 9T45 9-speed automatic |
| |
| 8159 | 2019 | Chevrolet | Equinox LT AWD | GM 1.5L LYX I4 | GM 6T40 6-speed automatic |
| |
| 8160 | 2019 | Chevrolet | Equinox LT AWD | GM 1.5L LYX I4 | GM 6T40 6-speed automatic |
|
External Links
References
- ↑ Racket: A Battle Over a High-Speed Bus Line Has Transit Agencies Seeing Red
- ↑ Nova Bus: New Partnership Betwen MVTA and Nova Bus Retrieved on May 14th, 2012
- ↑ Go-To Cards to be accepted on MVTA Connect effective June 3; Minnesota Valley Transit Authority, June 3rd, 2024
- ↑ Metropolitan Council: Business Item 2019-160 Authorize Execution of Contract Options with Gillig LLC Utilizing the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Gillig Bus Contract – 11 buses
- ↑ Metropolitan Council Contract 19P122
- ↑ WARNING: DRIVE-BY DOWNLOAD. Minnesota Valley Transit Authority January 19, 2022 minutes
- ↑ Metropolitan Council: Business Item 2017-66 Authorize Execution of Contract Options with Gillig LLC
- ↑ Metropolitan Council: Business Item 2017-170 Authorize Execution of Contract Options with Gillig LLC
- ↑ The Use of Small Buses in Transit Service; P. Brendon Hemily, National Research Council; 2002
- ↑ MVTA Board Meeting Packet, March 2012 Retrieved March 22, 2012
- ↑ May 2010 Board Meeting Packet Retrieved March 25, 2023
- ↑ Double decker arrives; staging begins Tuesday Retrieved March 25, 2023 (Archived from the original)
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 Ride the double decker and the electric bus Retrieved March 25, 2023
- ↑ Sustainably charged: MVTA Electrifies Public Transit in Minnesota Retrieved March 25, 2023
- ↑ e-Jest electric minibus on display March 25 Retrieved March 25, 2023
- ↑ New Demo bus arrived in town today! Retrieved August 9, 2018
- ↑ Sustainably charged: MVTA Electrifies Public Transit in Minnesota Retrieved March 25, 2023
- ↑ MVTA Board Meeting - June 25, 2024; Karsan e-Jest Vehicles (Archived from the original)
- ↑ 19.0 19.1 19.2 MVTA Board Meeting - July 31, 2024 (Archived from the original)
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