EDEN PRAIRIE, MN, February 4, 2026 - SouthWest Transit (SWT) released its 2025 ridership numbers, highlighting record ridership growth, high customer satisfaction, and cost-effective transit service sets the agency apart from comparable Minnesota transit providers. The update provides a snapshot of SWT’s performance and the role it plays in connecting residents to jobs, education, healthcare, and daily needs across the southwest metro. 

SouthWest Transit continues to be the most dynamic transit agency in the state of Minnesota. In 2025, SouthWest Transit recorded a 14% year-over-year ridership growth, the highest of any transit agency in Minnesota. SWT also continues to operate efficiently, with administrative costs accounting for 25% of total expenditures, lower than comparable regional agencies, and a lower subsidy per rider for commuter bus service than Metro Transit. 

“SouthWest Transit is growing because our services work for the people and communities we serve,” said Erik Hansen, CEO of SouthWest Transit. “We focus every day on providing reliable, efficient transportation that connects riders to opportunity while being good stewards of public dollars.” 

Customer satisfaction remains exceptionally high across SWT services, demonstrating the trust customers place in SWT. Recent survey results show 96% satisfaction with micro-transit service, 97% satisfaction with commuter bus service, and 98% of riders using SouthWest Transit service to the Minnesota State Fair said they would ride again. 

SouthWest Transit continues to be a key economic driver for residents to access jobs, with survey data showing that 71.6% of commuter bus trips are taken for work, while 46% of SW Prime trips support employment. Many riders rely on SWT services because they do not drive, need accessible transportation, or require affordable options to remain independent. 

“Our services are about more than moving people from point A to point B,” Hansen said. “They’re about access — to work, healthcare, education, and community life — and ensuring our region remains economically strong and connected.” 

The annual update also comes as SouthWest Transit faces increasing policy discussions at the State Capitol about the future of regional transit systems. SWT leaders emphasize that continued community support and engagement will be critical to ensuring decision-makers understand the value and performance of SouthWest Transit. 

More information about SouthWest Transit’s services, performance, and ways to engage can be found at www.swtransit.org. 

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About SouthWest Transit 
SouthWest Transit is the 2024 Minnesota Transit System of the Year and serves the southwest Twin Cities area through bus, on-demand rideshare, and special transit services. We are committed to serving the needs of our customers through diverse and innovative transit solutions that build our community and connect our customers from where they are to where they want to go. 

Media Contact: Leslie Rosedahl, 651.353.1818, Leslie@RosedahlPublicAffairs.com