Collaborative Employee Transit

MVTA understands that sometimes existing trips pass a business and do not directly stop at the site. When operationally possible, MVTA considers requests to add a closer bus stop or move existing stops.

MVTA operates non-stop (express), by designated bus stop, or by flag stop (where riders may wave for the operator to stop in any safe location) depending on the route. MVTA regularly reviews requests for physical bus stop signs and works with appropriate jurisdictions to install.

Bus shelters can offer a great opportunity to protect riders from the elements while waiting for the bus, to promote transit, and to show your commitment to alternative modes. MVTA has a limited number of shelters available for installation each year. While not required, collaborating with businesses who can lead installation of the concrete pads and sidewalk connections helps advance MVTA's shelter program in a mutually beneficial way. Contact MVTA to discuss potential bus shelter locations and the installation process.

Sometimes a business is located in the MVTA service area but too far from an existing route for employees to rely on public transit. In this situation, the CoGo Program allows MVTA and businesses to collaborate on trip needs and shift changes to create a customized schedule. The resulting schedule would extend select trips directly to an employer's site. By working together and sharing resources, MVTA can often put a solution in place faster than relying on limited public transit funding. Requests for trip extensions typically require a six-month lead prior to implementation. A financial agreement would be needed to memorialize any cost-share for additional service hours to extend trips.

MVTA evaluates added trips on existing route based upon request. Employers may already be located along a transit route but are interested in MVTA's ability to add new trips to meet specific shift times, to expand service span of the existing route, and/or to offer mid-day flexibility to employees. By working together and sharing resources, MVTA can often put a solution in place faster than relying on limited public transit funding. Requests for new trips require a six-month lead prior to implementation. A financial agreement would be needed to memorialize any cost-share for additional service hours to add trips.

A new route is considered when there is an unmet need or existing transit service does not adequately provide workforce connections. MVTA can provide service concepts, cost estimates, and bring additional partners to the table to develop a funding & implementation path. Due to the nature of public transportation funding and MVTA's operating budget, a new route typically takes more than six months to implement.

The Twin Cities offers regional carpooling and vanpooling services. To find out more information about carpool matching or to learn about the vanpool program (5-15 people sharing a ride), visit https://www.metrotransit.org/carpool or https://www.metrotransit.org/vanpool.

In some situations, businesses may have the resources and flexibility to operate their own shuttle, or work with another local employer to operate a joint shuttle. To extend the reach of employer-operated shuttles and MVTA transit services, MVTA will evaluate requests for schedule adjustments at transit hubs to improve connection opportunities. MVTA's schedule changes take place approximately four times per year.

MVTA offers the opportunity to wrap buses, post digital advertisements, install wall clings at facilities, and many other creative ways to jointly promote business and MVTA interests. Please contact us to discuss ideas.