New Transit Shelter and Expanded Bus Service Improve Access to Minnesota Zoo
Representatives from the Minnesota Zoo, Minnesota Valley Transit Authority, the city of Apple Valley, the Apple Valley Chamber of Commerce, and Dakota County were among those on hand March 4th for the unveiling of a new animal-themed bus shelter and enhanced public transit service to the zoo.
Published: March 6, 2026.
APPLE VALLEY, MINNESOTA - Residents and visitors traveling to the Minnesota Zoo will soon have improved public transit access following the unveiling of a new animal-themed bus shelter and expanded service from the Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA).
Transit officials, community leaders, and zoo representatives gathered on March 4, 2026, in Apple Valley to celebrate the new shelter and highlight upcoming service enhancements designed to make it easier for both employees and visitors to reach one of the state’s most popular attractions. Beginning March 16, 2026, MVTA’s Route 440 will offer hourly service to the Minnesota Zoo seven days a week, creating more frequent transit options for riders across the south metro.
Expanded service and new regional connections
In addition to increased service frequency, Route 440 will also begin serving the Mall of America, providing new regional connections for riders traveling between major destinations in the Twin Cities area.
The enhanced route will provide direct connections between the Minnesota Zoo and several key transit hubs, including:
Apple Valley Transit Station
Palomino Park & Ride
Cedar Grove Transit Station
Mall of America
Transit officials say the improvements will make it easier for families, students, employees, and tourists to access the zoo and surrounding areas without needing a personal vehicle.
“The Minnesota Zoo is one of our region’s premier attractions, drawing families and visitors from across the metro and beyond,” said Luther Wynder.
Wynder said the new shelter and service upgrades demonstrate MVTA’s commitment to improving the rider experience.
A Shelter Designed to Reflect the Zoo
The newly installed shelter features an animal-themed design, intended to reflect the spirit and creativity associated with visiting the zoo.
“This new shelter is more than just a place to wait for the bus — it’s a reflection of creativity, community, and connection,” Wynder said. “It captures the fun and sense of adventure people feel when they come to the Zoo, and it sends a clear message: transit can be welcoming, accessible, and even a little playful.”
Wynder added that consistent transit service is especially important for families planning visits, as well as for zoo employees and students traveling to the facility.
“The expanded Route 440 service means families, employees, students, and visitors have reliable transportation options whether they’re planning a weekday field trip or a Saturday afternoon visit,” he said.
Zoo Leaders Welcome Improved Access
Officials with the Minnesota Zoo said the improved transit connections will help broaden access to the facility, which welcomes visitors from throughout Minnesota and beyond.
“Access is a top priority,” said John Frawley during the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Located in Apple Valley, Minnesota, the Minnesota Zoo is one of the largest zoos in the United States and is the second-largest gated attraction in Minnesota, behind only the Minnesota State Fair.
Local Leaders Highlight Community Connections
City leaders also emphasized the role public transit plays in connecting residents and visitors to key community destinations.
“MVTA at its core is about connecting people to the places they want and need to go, and the Minnesota Zoo is a place where people want to go,” said Clint Hooppaw. “These enhancements will make it easier than ever to spend a great day at the Zoo and in Apple Valley.”
Strengthening Transit in the South Metro
MVTA officials said the shelter project and Route 440 service expansion are part of broader efforts to strengthen transit options across the south metro. Agency leaders thanked partners at the Minnesota Zoo and throughout the community who helped make the improvements possible, noting that collaboration between transit agencies, local governments, and community organizations helps expand mobility, support local jobs, and strengthen the regional economy.
With the new shelter and improved bus service, MVTA says it aims to continue expanding reliable, accessible transportation options that connect residents to jobs, recreation, and destinations across the Twin Cities region.
More information about Route 440 and other MVTA services is available at mvta.com or by contacting MVTA Customer Service at 952-882-7500.
A ribbon-cutting event drew a crowd to the Minnesota Zoo on March 4th for the unveiling of a new animal-themed bus shelter and enhanced public transit service to the zoo.
Written by: Will Wight
Photos provided by: MVTA
