Carver County is set to enhance its public transportation services through a new partnership with Southwest Transit, aimed at conducting a comprehensive transit and mobility study. This initiative, discussed during the Carver County Board of Commissioners meeting on August 19, 2025, will focus on understanding the current transportation needs of residents and developing actionable solutions.

The study will be structured around six key tasks, beginning with a thorough project management framework that ensures collaboration between Carver County and Southwest Transit. The first step involves a mobility and transit needs assessment, which will analyze various data points, including population metrics, job locations, and current transit usage patterns. This foundational work aims to create a clear picture of how residents travel within the county and identify areas where transit services can be improved or tailored to better meet community needs.

Stakeholder engagement is another critical component of the study. The plan includes three rounds of community input, starting with an initial listening phase to gather feedback on existing transit services and barriers to usage. Subsequent rounds will present proposed transit solutions based on data analysis, allowing residents to provide feedback before final recommendations are made.

Additionally, the study will explore transit and microtransit operation alternatives. Microtransit, described as a shared ride service similar to Uber, will be evaluated alongside traditional transit options to determine the best ways to serve the community effectively. The final report will compile all findings and recommendations, ensuring transparency and accountability to the public.

The partnership will be formalized through a joint powers agreement, allowing Southwest Transit to manage the study with funding from Carver County on a reimbursement basis. This collaborative effort aims to leverage both local and national expertise in transit funding, ensuring a robust application for future funding opportunities.

As Carver County moves forward with this initiative, residents can expect improvements in public transportation that align with their needs and enhance mobility throughout the region. The study represents a significant step toward a more efficient and responsive transit system, ultimately benefiting the entire community.