Microtransit is an on-demand shared ride service offered in many Twin Cities communities by the five regional transit authorities. Individual trips are scheduled but may be shared with others, and other customers may be picked up or dropped off during your trip. Similar to ride-hailing services like Uber or Lyft, microtransit rides are booked on an app or via phone for “door to door” service. Rides, however, must be within a given microtransit territory. Fares for this on-demand service vary depending upon the transit authority, but the cost is similar to bus fare – $2 to $5 per ride.
Microtransit debuted in our region in 2015 when SouthWest Prime started service in Eden Prairie. Since then, all five local transit authorities have added microtransit service to their areas. Minibuses now crisscross 18 different communities from suburbs like Maple Grove, Chanhassen, and Burnsville to densely populated neighborhoods in North Minneapolis. Ridership is growing as passengers discover the ease and low-cost fares for booking trips to the grocery store, going to work, or for transferring to fixed route buses.
Microtransit helps fill the “first-mile, last-mile” transportation gap to fixed transit routes providing transportation equity in the communities they serve. Overall, microtransit reduces dependence on single-occupancy vehicles by delivering a viable alternative.
Five Regional Microtransit Services
Metro Transit Micro
Micro is currently booking rides in the North Minneapolis community with door-to-door service, and service to the Metro C Line and D Line BRT routes. By the end of 2024, the popular service will expand to the suburbs of Roseville and Woodbury. Schedule rides on the Metro Transit micro app or call 651-602-1170 to book a ride. Metro Transit Micro uses standard transit fares used on regular routes. Fares can be paid using Metro Transit cards/apps and transfers provide a 2.5 hour window for trips outside of the Micro territory. Metro Transit Micro operates weekdays 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., and weekends: 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
SouthWest Prime
SouthWest Prime operates in the communities of Eden Prairie, Chaska, Chanhassen, Victoria, Carver, and parts of Edina, Shakopee along with some select service zones such as MSP airport, Normandale College, Mall of America, and nearby medical facilities. On-line booking is available with the SW Prime App or by calling 952-797-7463. Fares are $5 per ride, $2.50 for seniors or TAP participants. Weekday hours of operation are 5:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Saturdays 6:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. No Sunday service.
MVTA Connect
MVTA Connect main zone covers rides within the cities of Apple Valley, Burnsville, Rosemount, and Savage. MVTA Connect – Eagan provides trips exclusively within the city of Eagan. Book a ride via RideMVTA App. One-way fares are $3, purchased using credit, debit, or cash (exact amount required when boarding) or a Go-To Card. MVTA Connect operates 7 days a week, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Maple Grove My Ride
Maple Grove My Ride is the rideshare service for Maple Grove and parts of Osseo, Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center, as well as the Robbinsdale Transit Center and Plymouth Transit Center. Trips are schedules via the My Ride app , an online web portal , or 763-493-2200. Purchase either a single one-ride $3 ticket or a 10-ride $20 ticket.
Plymouth Metrolink Click-and-Ride
Click-and-Ride provides service anywhere in Plymouth, in addition to Ridgedale, Colonial Square in Wayzata, Golden Valley Center, parts of Medina and Hamel, and Maple Grove Transit Station. Riders can book on-demand shuttles through the Click-and-Ride app or call 763-559-5057. Plymouth Metrolink Click-and-Ride offers $3 rides, seven days a week. Service hours: Monday-Friday 5 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. , Saturday 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. , Sunday 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
How to schedule and ride Metro Transit Micro
Microtransit buses offer amenities like USB ports and coach bus seating. Bring your bike! All five microtransit services have mounted bike racks on the bus.
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