Carpools & Bikes

Carpools

You can save hundreds of dollars every year and arrive to work less stressed - and happier! by sharing the ride with others who live or work near you.

Carpool Perks

Cut your commuting costs in half or more
Reduce the stress of driving in congestion
Save on the wear and tear of your car
Help improve air quality by getting more cars off the road

Carpools can use freeway express lanes and ramp meter bypasses and may qualify for reduced-price or preferential parking. If you carpool to work at least three times per week, you’re eligible for the Guaranteed Ride Home program.

How Can I Arrange A Successful Carpool?

It's best to schedule a meeting with your fellow carpoolers before the first trip to talk about insurance, communications and personal preferences.

Determine Your Route & Schedule
Establish the morning pickup point(s) and designate the meeting place(s) for the trip home.

Draw Up a Schedule for Driving Responsibilities
If all members of your carpool alternate driving, decide among yourselves if you want to alternate on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.

Determine How Driving Expenses will be Shared
If the members of your carpool do not share the driving equally, come to an understanding of how the costs will be shared and agree on a payment schedule.

Establish Policies & Preferences
Smoking or nonsmoking; music and volume; eating or drinking, or talking, particularly in the morning. Your carpool will have a better chance for success if potential irritants are discussed in advance.

Be Punctual
Decide how long the driver is expected to wait for latecomers. Be wary of making side trips or running errands while carpoolers are present.

Choose a Chain of Communication
If a driver is ill, or will not be going to work one day, an alternate driver should be notified to ensure that other members of the carpool will have a ride. If a rider is ill or will not be working, the driver should be contacted.

An agreement to share the ride isn't a binding contract. But if you find car- or vanpooling isn't for you, give your partners ample notice so they can make alternate arrangements or find a replacement.

Registration

Bikes

The MVTA promotes cycling as one of the many alternatives to driving alone.

Bike lockers are available at several MVTA park & rides for $5 per month (minimum 2 month rental) plus a $25 deposit. Upon sign-up, you will be mailed a key for your bike locker.

Download a printable bike locker rental form, complete top portion, sign, and return to:

Minnesota Valley Transit Authority
Burnsville Transit Station
100 East Highway 13
Burnsville, MN 55337

Current locations include:

Most MVTA park & rides have bike racks available.

Bikes on buses

MVTA buses are equipped with front racks that accommodate up to two bicycles.
Bikes may not be brought inside buses.
MVTA assumes no liability for bikes placed in the exterior racks of any bus.

Biking Within the Region

Several MVTA facilities are located along bike routes. Dakota County Bike Trails.