Minnesota Valley Transit Authority Receives AARP Grant to Help Older Adults Use On-Demand Transit
MVTA will use grant funding to provide additional public transit training for older adults in the south metro. MVTA staff recently provided training assistance at the Burnsville Senior Center.
Published: June 25, 2026.
DAKOTA & SCOTT COUNTY, MINNESOTA - The Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA) has been awarded a 2026 AARP Community Challenge grant to launch a new program to help older adults confidently and independently use the agency's on-demand microtransit service, MVTA Connect.
The Mobility Independence Training Program is designed for adults aged 50 and older and provides hands-on instruction to help participants learn to navigate MVTA Connect, giving them greater independence and easier access to healthcare, shopping, social activities, and other essential destinations.
MVTA is one of 18 organizations across Minnesota selected to receive funding through the 2026 AARP Community Challenge program. Nationwide, AARP is investing $8.3 million in 750 quick-action projects, while $172,720 has been awarded to Minnesota organizations supporting projects focused on improving mobility, safety, connection, and quality of life for residents, particularly older adults.
Program Focuses on Growing Need for Transportation Independence
The new initiative will serve residents living in independent and senior living communities throughout MVTA's seven-city service area in Dakota and Scott counties.
As the region's older adult population continues to grow, transportation providers are increasingly looking for ways to help seniors remain active and independent while reducing barriers to mobility.
"Transportation is about much more than getting from one place to another," said MVTA Chief Executive Officer Luther Wynder. "It is a critical link to healthcare, shopping, social activities, and overall quality of life. This grant allows MVTA to provide hands-on support that helps older adults gain the confidence and skills they need to use MVTA Connect independently."
Training Will Include Videos, Workshops, and Guided Ride-Alongs
Through the grant, MVTA will develop instructional resources specifically tailored to older adults, including step-by-step videos demonstrating how to:
Download the MVTA Connect mobile app.
Create an account.
Plan trips.
Book rides using the service.
The educational materials will feature simplified instructions and large-format visuals to improve accessibility and make the technology easier to navigate.
In addition to the digital resources, MVTA staff will host classroom-style training sessions at participating senior and independent living communities.
Each participating location will also receive a guided ride-along experience, allowing attendees to practice booking and taking trips with assistance from MVTA employees before using the service independently.
Building a Model for Future Mobility Programs
MVTA Community and Economic Development Director Joya Stetson said the program aligns closely with AARP's mission of helping people stay engaged in their communities.
"AARP's Community Challenge program invests in practical solutions that help people remain active, connected, and engaged in their communities," Stetson said. "We are grateful for this partnership and excited to create a model that can be replicated to expand mobility and independence across our service area."
MVTA expects the Mobility Independence Training Program to serve approximately 100 older adults during its initial rollout while establishing a framework that could be expanded throughout the region in the future.
About MVTA Connect
MVTA Connect is the transit agency's on-demand microtransit service, allowing riders to request shared rides through a mobile app or by phone. The service is intended to provide flexible transportation within designated service zones, complementing MVTA's fixed-route bus network.
Officials say that increasing older adults' familiarity with the service can help reduce transportation barriers, promote independence, and improve access to essential services and community activities.
Residents interested in learning more about the Mobility Independence Training Program or other MVTA services can visit MVTA's website or contact MVTA Customer Service at 952-882-7500.
Written by: Will Wight
Photos provided by: MVTA
