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MVTA reports rising ridership, microtransit growth and funding uncertainty in Burnsville update
Summary
Minnesota Valley Transit Authority officials told the Burnsville City Council that overall ridership is recovering to about 46% of pre‑pandemic levels, MBTA Connect microtransit surged in 2024, and the agency is seeking more stable funding from the Met Council and state legislature to expand service.
Minnesota Valley Transit Authority officials outlined service trends, capital work and funding needs during a Burnsville City Council meeting on April 22, saying systemwide ridership is up but still below pre‑pandemic levels and that the agency needs clearer, dedicated funding to expand microtransit and frequency.
MVTA Chief Development Officer Matt Biden told the council the authority "operate[s] a fleet of 70 buses," runs 24 fixed routes, manages 14 park‑and‑ride/transit stations and two garages, and is working to balance fixed‑route service with growth in MBTA Connect, its microtransit service. "In March 2025, our system wide ridership is at 46% of pre pandemic levels," Biden said, noting progress from 38% in 2023 and 43% in 2024.
The update matters because MBTA officials said funding uncertainty constrains service changes the agency would otherwise make. Biden and Community and Economic Development Director Joya Stetson said the 0.75 percentage point metro sales and use tax enacted by the Legislature in 2023 increased regional transit…
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