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Chaska officials urge residents to oppose bill that would fold suburban transit into Metro Transit
Summary
Council members warned that a bill moving through the Minnesota Legislature could eliminate suburban opt‑out transit providers such as Southwest Transit; they urged residents to contact legislators after the bill passed the House Transportation Committee and was referred to ways and means.
Council members updated Chaska residents on a state bill that would, if enacted, eliminate suburban 'opt‑out' transit providers and consolidate services under Metro Transit.
Council member Hatfield, who serves as chair of Southwest Transit, said the measure passed the House Transportation Committee and now moves to ways and means. Hatfield and others argued the change could remove services tailored to suburban riders, reduce door‑to‑door or microtransit options and fail to account for locally owned facilities such as park‑and‑ride lots and local garages. "We likely wouldn't have any service," Hatfield said, warning that Metro Transit does not currently provide the same microtransit or facility arrangements that suburban providers do.
Councilmembers described local advocacy at a recent hearing, noting more than a dozen residents and officials testified against the bill and that more than 600 constituent emails had been sent. They asked residents to contact their legislators and support Southwest Transit. Council discussion highlighted concerns about claimed savings — figures circulated in testimony ranged widely — and noted logistical and operational questions remain about how a consolidation would be implemented if it advanced.
No formal council action beyond the update was taken; members framed the item as an informational call to action for residents and stakeholders.
