Message from SouthWest Transit’s CEO Len Simich regarding COVID-19 and scheduled service suspensions.

The coronavirus pandemic has changed our usual way of life as we know it. Everyday activities like going to the grocery store, eating a meal at your favorite restaurant, getting your haircut, going to a sporting event, and commuting to/from work has been suddenly altered. Social distancing has become the new norm.

As you are probably aware, SouthWest Transit is suspending a good portion of its service beginning Monday, March 23.

Over the past two weeks, over 90% of SouthWest Transit’s daily ridership has been lost due to the coronavirus outbreak.

To better align resources while still providing a level of service that addresses critical commuting needs while maintaining goals related to social distancing, a “temporary” service plan will go into service on the 23rd.

In general, the plan suspends/reduces approximately 65% of the current express service and over 30% of the Prime vehicles currently in daily operation. Express service will operate with 15-minute frequency during the peak hour, and hourly throughout the mid-day. The number of Prime vehicles operating will reduce from 15 to 10 during the peak hours, and from 10 to 5 vehicles during the off-peak.

Besides reduced service frequency, other changes include all express service picking-up and dropping-off at SouthWest Transit’s three stations along the Hwy 212 corridor (SW Station in Eden Prairie, SW Village Station in Chanhassen, and East Creek Transit Station in Chaska). The last run from downtown in the evening would be at 6 pm (currently 9:30 pm).

Express Service to/from SouthWest Transit’s Chanhassen Station, as well as express service to/from the Carver Transit Station, will not operate during the service suspension. Customers using these stations can either drive to one of the 212 stations or use the micro-transit service “Prime”.

I also want to reiterate that economic impacts are not the only reason we are implementing the service suspension.

Heeding the directive from the Governor to minimize person to person interaction/contact, we believe it is in the best interest of our employees to reduce service and keep as many of our staff members at home until the coronavirus can be controlled.

Furloughed staff have been provided 2 weeks of paid leave. Paid leave, along with the personal leave balances (sick and vacation) employees carry, most furloughed employees will have 3-4 weeks of pay available before having to access any unemployment insurance funds should this continue beyond that period.

Until this is over, take care of yourself, your family and your neighbors. Together we will get through this.

Len Simich, 

Chief Executive Officer and General Manager

Take SW Prime MD to your next medical appointment!

What is SW Prime MD? 

SW Prime MD is a public transit service to non-emergency medical services. 

Where does SW Prime MD Operate?

SW Prime MD provides non-emergency medical transportation to any medical facility in Eden Prairie, Chanhassen, Chaska, Carver, and Victoria. Ridgeview facilities in Waconia and Excelsior, as well as medical facilities in select areas of Minnetonka and Edina, are also included in SW Prime MD's service area. 
Riders may be picked up and dropped off in Eden Prairie, Chanhassen, Chaska,Carver, and Victoria. 

How do I request a ride? 

Rides to medical services may be booked up to 14 days in advance. Return rides are on-demand and can be requested once you are ready to return from your appointment. 
To request a ride, call 952-SWPRIME (952-797-7463). Reservationists are available to assist you Monday-Friday 6:30 am to 7:00 pm. 

How much does it cost? 

The cost is $10 each way. However, Ridgeview is providing a $5/ride subsidy, which brings the cost to only $5 each way for those riding to Ridgeview facilities.  
Children 5 and under ride free. 

What are the service hours?

SW Prime MD operates Monday-Friday, 6:30 am to 7:00 pm. 

SW Prime MD will take you to ANY medical facility in the shaded area - even dental and vision offices! If you're not sure whether or not your clinic falls into the shaded area, call us at 952-949-2287 for assistance. 

SW Prime MD also services St. Francis Hospital in Shakopee. 

DUE TO COVID-19, TWINS EXPRESS SERVICE IS SUSPENDED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

Let SouthWest Transit Take You Out to the Ball Game with Quick, Easy and Convenient Service from:

• SouthWest Station - Hwy 212 & Prairie Center Dr, Eden Prairie
  
• SouthWest Village - Hwy 212 & Hwy 101, Chanhassen
• East Creek Station - Hwy 212 & Hwy 41, Chaska

*Please Note: No Service from Carver Station or Chanhassen Transit Station

Departure Times:

RETURN TIMES

• 20 minutes after the last out of the 7th inning
• 20 minutes after the last out of the game 

DROP-OFF AND RETURN LOCATION

• 7TH STREET RAMP - Level B
• After the game, board the bus where we dropped you off. 

FARES

$6/Round-Trip
Children 5 and Under Ride Free 
Disabled Veterans (with ID) Ride Free 

Two convenient payment options:
Cash - Exact change only, please
Purchase your ticket on the SW Transit mobile app

Please Note: Go-To Cards are not accepted for Twins Express fare