MVTA Connect coming to Prior Lake, Shakopee starting Jan. 13

Minnesota Valley Transit Authority will begin serving Prior Lake and Shakopee with MVTA Connect microtransit service beginning Monday, Jan. 13.

MVTA Connect is a point-to-point service that will provide travel connections to everyone living within the Prior Lake/Shakopee zone.

The service is app-based and allows customers to book their own rides using their smart phones. Riders can book trips within the zone and can use MVTA Connect as a first-mile/last-mile option to connect with MVTA fixed route buses that travel throughout the metro region.

Riders can use Connect to make regional connections to and from Marschall Road Transit Station. Other major destinations in the zone include: Downtown Shakopee, Downtown Prior Lake, Canterbury Park, Mystic Lake Casino, St. Francis Hospital, Town Square Mall and Southbridge Crossings Park & Ride.

The new Prior Lake/Shakopee zone will be in operation from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday. Riders can book their trips using the free RideMVTA app up to 3 hours prior to taking a trip.

The fare is $3 per trip and payment can be made via a credit card or debit card on the app, or by using a Go-To Card or with $3 cash (exact amount, drivers don’t make change) when boarding. Children $5 and under ride free.

MVTA Connect is the fastest growing segment of MVTA service and has seen record growth every year since it launched in Savage and Burnsville in 2019. Connect ridership has grown from 7,957 riders in 2020 to more than 140,000 riders in 2024.

Connect rider surveys show that more than 60 percent of riders use Connect to get to work. Riders who take a Connect trip can receive a same-day transfer ticket to any MVTA fixed-route bus.

“This is something we have been working toward for a long time and we’re excited to finally be able to launch the service in Shakopee and Prior Lake,” said MVTA Chief Development Officer Matt Fyten.

Connect is a ride-share service and trip times can fluctuate based on system demand. Riders are encouraged to build buffer times into their trip plans when using Connect.

For more information on MVTA Connect, go to mvta.com/connect or call MVTA Customer Service at 952-882-7500.

The new Prior Lake and Shakopee Connect zone will be in operation starting Monday, Jan. 13. Riders can book their own Connect trips anywhere within the zone using the RideMVTA app.