Minnesota Valley Transit Authority reports ridership rebound as Scott County officials debate funding, opt-outs and fleet efficiency

A representative for the Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA) told Scott County elected officials that systemwide ridership has improved and that services in Scott County are back at—or above—2015 levels, while commissioners pressed MVTA and county staff on regional funding, perceived empty buses and facility needs.

The presenter, identified in the transcript as Beth Leighton (MDGA staff), said MVTA’s systemwide ridership was up about 7.8% in 2024–25 and that Scott County ridership had increased roughly 12–13% year‑over‑year in March. "In 2025 we do about 609,000 passengers in Scott County," the presenter said, and later added that the agency has "seen over 10,000 customers utilize" its Connect on‑demand service since January 13, 2025, with an average wait time of about 15 minutes and a $3 one‑way fare with free transfers to fixed routes.

Why it matters: commissioners said those local gains occur against a backdrop of long‑running tension over regional governance and funding. Several officials argued that regional subsidy comparisons — the so‑called "high subsidy" report compiled by the Metropolitan Council — disadvantage suburban providers because they do not account for federal grants, discontinuations or capital investments. The presenter told the board the report’s methodology can skew results against lower‑density suburban markets.

Key details from the presentation included MVTA’s service mix (about 21 fixed routes, multiple express lines to downtown Minneapolis, and expanded microtransit zones covering seven cities), ridership recovery after the pandemic and demographic data for the Connect service: a large share of riders report annual household incomes under $25,000, about 47% identify as people of color and roughly 60% are women; more than 25% reported a long‑term disability. The presenter said Connect trips average roughly $30 in operating cost per passenger, while express and fixed routes have lower per‑passenger subsidies.

Commissioners raised operational and political concerns: one commissioner summarized public frustration by saying, "All they're doing is driving around these big empty buses." Presenters acknowledged visible empty buses in off‑peak times but said large vehicles are required to serve peak and major event destinations (for example, the Renaissance Festival, Mystic Lake amphitheater and other large venues) and that vehicle assignment and capital rules limit the agency’s ability to swap vehicle types quickly.

On governance and funding, the board discussed past decisions (including a large federal grant that shaped service to Lakeville) and current legislative proposals referenced in the meeting. The presenter and agency representatives urged commissioners to continue advocacy with the Metropolitan Council and the Legislature to protect coverage‑oriented suburban services and to highlight the tradeoffs inherent in ridership‑based metrics.

Operational follow‑ups included MVTA’s search for a local maintenance/garage site to reduce deadhead and improve fleet efficiency; presenters said exploratory conversations with county staff are underway and federal grant opportunities are being considered. Commissioners asked county staff and MVTA to return with more detailed staffing, cost and facility information and recommended more regular MVTA briefings to the transportation committee.

The workshop concluded without a formal vote; participants thanked the presenters and adjourned. The transportation committee asked staff to schedule follow‑up data and another MVTA update.