Welcome to SouthWest Transit's hub for information and updates for SouthWest Transit (SWT) riders, community supporters, and local leaders. This page shares important service updates, key initiatives, and the role Southwest Transit plays in strengthening mobility across our region. You’ll also find ways to stay engaged, show your support, and help shape the future of Southwest Transit.

- SouthWest Transit CEO, Erik Hansen

Sign up to receive communications regarding SWT’s advocacy in the community – click HERE. 

State Legislative Update

As part of ongoing discussions at the Capitol, some legislators have suggested eliminating SouthWest Transit, even though the system continues to grow in ridership and operate in a more cost-effective manner (see details on the State of SWT below).

These proposals could impact riders, employers, and communities that depend on SouthWest Transit for daily mobility and economic connection. Community voices and continued engagement will be critical in helping policymakers recognize the importance and value of SWT. 

Upcoming:  SouthWest Transit Day at the Capitol: Wednesday, March 11, 2026. Stay tuned for more information.

➡ What YOU Can Do – Support SouthWest Transit by Emailing Your State Senator and Representative 

Riders, community members, and supporters are encouraged to speak up in support of SouthWest Transit by emailing their legislators and sharing why SWT matters to them and their community. We’ll provide pre-written, editable messages that automatically identify and send to your elected officials as a constituent. Your voice can help stop proposals that would eliminate SWT and ensure these essential services continue across the region.

We'll provide a link to take action soon! Stay tuned.

Cities that have passed resolutions in support of SouthWest Transit:

• Eden Prairie 
• City of Chanhassen 
• City of Chaska 
• City of Carver 
• City of Victoria
• Carver County 

See a sample resolution in support of SouthWest Transit HERE. 

State of SouthWest Transit

SouthWest Transit (SWT) is an independent transit agency serving the southwest Twin Cities. We operate under a joint agreement between Eden Prairie, Chanhassen, and Chaska, and in 2026 we’re celebrating 40 years of service. 

Service and Ridership Overview 

• 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% 
• This growth makes us the fastest-growing transit agency in Minnesota 

New Services and Innovations in 2025 

• 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 (APCs) made their debut, making us the third transit agency in the U.S. to implement this technology, improving real-time service planning and ridership tracking 

Rider and Community Surveys 

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

Economic Opportunity & Connections 

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

Financial Stewardship and Operations 

• Our subsidy per trip on bus service is 22% lower than Metro Transit ($12.07 vs. $15.42) 
• Overhead costs are 22%, compared with 24% for regional alternatives 

Planning and Community Engagement 

• 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