MVTA awarded for Zero-Emission Transit Leadership
Oct 8, 2025 1:56 pm
MVTA was honored with the Management Innovation Award at the Minnesota Public Transit Association’s (MPTA) Annual Awards Ceremony in Rochester on October 6, recognizing the agency’s pioneering deployment of five battery electric buses—the first of their kind in Minnesota and the Midwest.
As MVTA explored a path toward zero-emission transit, the agency took time to engage with riders, staff, city and county partners, and community stakeholders to ensure its electric transition approach was practical and responsive to local needs. That collaborative process set the stage for an innovative solution that both advanced sustainability and strengthened service for the south metro.
2024 introduction
In 2024, MVTA introduced five Karsan e-Jest electric buses into regular service—becoming the first transit agency in the Midwest to do so. The milestone positioned MVTA as a suburban leader in sustainable transportation and demonstrated its commitment to environmental stewardship, innovation, and an improved rider experience.
Each electric bus prevents approximately 52 tons of carbon emissions annually while delivering significant cost and operational benefits. Early results show fuel savings of around $14,000 per bus per year compared to diesel buses, and the vehicles have proven highly reliable even in Minnesota’s harsh winter conditions, returning from four-hour shifts with 30–40 percent battery power still available.
“These electric buses are an incredible example of innovation meeting impact,” said MVTA Chief Executive Officer Luther Wynder. “This project demonstrates that sustainability and service quality can go hand in hand. We’re proud that MVTA is leading by example and showing that suburban transit agencies can take bold steps toward a cleaner, more efficient future.”
Serving MVTA Connect
The e-Jest buses enhance MVTA Connect, the agency’s fast-growing microtransit service, which now provides about 700 rides daily throughout multiple suburban communities. The buses are ADA-accessible, quieter, and more comfortable—creating a better experience for riders. Each e-Jest offers a 130-mile range, allowing for flexible service throughout the south metro area.
“The success of this project comes from collaboration, planning, and a willingness to innovate,” said MVTA Fleet Manager Scott Poppenhagen. “We’ve shown that new technology can be both reliable and cost-effective, and we’re excited to share what we’ve learned with other agencies looking to take similar steps.”
MVTA has made it a priority to share lessons learned with peers and the public, showcasing an e-Jest bus at the Minnesota State Fair, participating in sustainability events, and collaborating with partner agencies to support broader adoption of zero-emission vehicles across the state.
By being the first to bring this technology to Minnesota, MVTA has shown that suburban agencies can lead the way in sustainability and innovation. The e-Jest deployment reflects environmental responsibility, financial stewardship, and a rider-first mindset—offering a scalable model for agencies statewide and setting a new standard for management innovation.
