MVTA tells Sustainable Eagan panel ridership rose, details Connect service and fleet electrification plans

Minnesota Valley Transit Authority officials reported to the Sustainable Eagan Advisory Commission on Feb. 10 that ridership and sustainability efforts are showing measurable gains and that several service adjustments will take effect in March. "From 2024 to 2025, overall, we saw ridership increases of almost 8%," said Joya Stedson, MVTA community and economic development director.

MVTA officials emphasized growth on express and Eagan routes. "Our Eagan services were up about 7% compared to last year," Stedson said, noting particular gains on Route 436 and higher event ridership tied to extended hours at the Eagan Transit Station. Cassandra Wiedrich, MVTA marketing supervisor, described Connect, the agency's on‑demand microtransit: "It's like an Uber and Lyft, but transit style. It's $3 regardless of the time of day," she said, adding that the Eagan zone…