MVTA Seeking Public Feedback on Proposed Summer 2026 Transit Changes Across South Metro
Route 477 is proposed to add a stop at 157th Street Station in Apple Valley as part of MVTA’s June 1 Service Change. The stop would provide a new connection to Downtown Minneapolis for Apple Valley residents.
Published: March 6, 2026.
DAKOTA & SCOTT COUNTIES, MINNESOTA - The Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA) is inviting riders, residents, and community stakeholders to provide feedback on a series of proposed service changes scheduled to take effect June 1, 2026.
The public comment period for the proposed changes is open now through April 6, giving transit users across the south metro an opportunity to review the plans and share their input before final decisions are made. MVTA officials say the proposed adjustments are part of the agency’s routine quarterly service review process, which analyzes ridership patterns and operational efficiency to ensure transit resources are aligned with current travel demand.
“These changes are part of our regular quarterly service change process, and our planners consistently analyze and update routing to best serve transit riders as efficiently as possible,” said MVTA Chief Development Officer Matt Fyten.
Proposed Route Suspensions and Service Adjustments
Several routes serving communities across Rosemount, Eagan, and the greater south metro could see significant adjustments if the proposals move forward.
St. Paul Service Changes
MVTA is proposing to suspend two routes that currently connect Dakota County communities with Downtown St. Paul:
Route 484
Currently provides two daily trips in each direction between Rosemount Transit Station and Downtown St. Paul.
MVTA says riders impacted by these suspensions would still have alternative transit options available. For riders currently using Route 484, Route 480 would provide alternative connections.
Route 489
Currently provides three reverse-commute trips each direction between Downtown St. Paul and Eagan.
For those who rely on Route 489, MVTA suggests connecting through Metro Transit Routes 74 or 54, which link to Route 436 at either 46th Street Station or MSP Airport Terminal 1.
Changes to Minneapolis Express Service
Additional proposed changes affect the service connecting Rosemount and Eagan to Downtown Minneapolis.
MVTA is proposing to suspend Route 472, which currently operates as an express route between Blackhawk Park and Ride, Rosemount Transit Station, and Downtown Minneapolis. At the same time, the agency plans to increase service on Route 470.
Under the proposal:
Route 470 daily trips to Downtown Minneapolis would increase from three to six for riders at:
Blackhawk Park and Ride
Rosemount Transit Station
However, Route 470 would eliminate trips between Palomino Hills Park and Ride and Downtown Minneapolis.
Transit officials say the adjustments are designed to minimize disruptions for current riders, noting that pickup times at Eagan Transit Station would remain consistent with current schedules.
Reduced Express Trips on Fridays
Another major change proposed for Summer 2026 involves reduced express bus service on Fridays. MVTA plans to introduce a Friday-specific schedule that reflects lower commuter ridership at the end of the work week, a trend that has continued since the rise of remote and hybrid work arrangements.
The Friday reductions would affect several express routes:
Route 460: 7 northbound and 6 southbound trips removed
Route 465: 5 northbound and 5 southbound trips removed
Route 470: 3 northbound and 2 southbound trips removed
Route 475: 3 southbound trips removed
Route 477: 3 northbound and 3 southbound trips removed
Route 480: 2 northbound and 2 southbound trips removed
Route 490: 2 northbound and 3 southbound trips removed
Route 493: 1 northbound and 1 southbound trip removed
MVTA says these changes would allow the agency to better match service levels with current ridership patterns while maintaining key commuter connections.
New Service Proposed for Apple Valley Station
While some services may be reduced or suspended, MVTA is also proposing expanded access to Apple Valley’s 157th Street Station.
Under the proposal, Route 477 would be extended to serve 157th Street Station, providing:
9 northbound trips daily between the station and Downtown Minneapolis.
10 southbound trips daily between the station and Downtown Minneapolis.
Transit officials say the route extension is designed to expand access while keeping current pickup times at Apple Valley Transit Station largely unchanged, minimizing impacts for existing riders.
Public Feedback Encouraged
MVTA officials emphasize that community input plays an important role in shaping final service decisions. The agency encourages riders and residents to review the proposals and submit comments before the public feedback window closes. The comment period will remain open through April 6.
Residents can learn more about the proposed changes, review route maps, and submit feedback by visiting:
mvta.com/summer-2026-proposed-changes
The page also includes:
Interactive route maps
Feedback forms
Information about upcoming virtual and in-person briefings
For additional information or assistance, riders can contact MVTA Customer Service at 952-882-7500.
Written by: Will Wight
Photos provided by: MVTA
