MVTA Sets Ridership Record During 2026 State Fair
Sep 11, 2026 9:06 am
Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA) set an all-time State Fair ridership record in 2026, providing 154,915 rides during the 12-day event—an increase of 4.2 percent over 2025.
The record comes as thousands of fairgoers chose transit to avoid traffic, parking challenges and road construction throughout the region.
“People continue to recognize the State Fair as an event where transit can make the trip easier from beginning to end,” said MVTA CEO Luther Wynder. “This year’s record ridership demonstrates how important reliable public transportation is when our region is managing large crowds and significant transportation demands.”
Daily Records and Station Shift
MVTA set daily State Fair ridership records on the first three days of the fair and again on the seventh day.
Friday, Aug. 28, was the busiest day in MVTA’s State Fair history, with 18,880 rides provided.
The agency also expanded its State Fair service in 2026 by adding Blackhawk Park and Ride to its existing service at Burnsville Transit Station, Eagan Transit Station and Southbridge Crossings Park and Ride in Shakopee.
Transit Continues to Connect the Community
MVTA’s record State Fair ridership occurred despite a slight decline in overall State Fair attendance compared with the previous year, underscoring the continued role of transit in connecting people to major community events.
Next Stop: Minnesota Renaissance Festival
With State Fair service complete, MVTA has shifted additional buses to serve the Minnesota Renaissance Festival. Weekend service will operate through Oct. 4 from:
● Eagle Creek Park & Ride — 6600 Eagle Creek Boulevard, Shakopee.
● Southbridge Crossings Park & Ride — 1401 Crossings Boulevard, Shakopee.
● Burnsville Transit Station — 100 East Highway 13, Burnsville.
For more Renaissance Festival transit information, go to Transit Service to Minnesota Renaissance Festival | MVTA.
For more information about MVTA service, contact MVTA Customer Service at 952-882-7500 or visit mvta.com.
