MVTA Sets Record Ridership During 2025 Minnesota State Fair
Sep 1, 2025 8:21 am
MVTA served more Minnesota State Fair riders in 2025 than ever before, with a total of 148,715 rides provided during the 12-day event. This marks a 17 percent increase over 2024 and sets a new all-time MVTA State Fair record.
“Record ridership for the fair shows the value of public transit when it matters most,” said MVTA CEO Luther Wynder. “With busy road construction across the region and the fair drawing massive crowds, transit was able to relieve the transportation burden for thousands of fairgoers.”
Daily Records and Station Shifts
MVTA set multiple daily ridership records throughout the fair, with 8 of the 12 days posting new highs. On Saturday, Aug. 30, MVTA carried 17,132 riders—the single highest ridership day in its history of serving the State Fair.
“Having uniform starting times definitely boosted ridership at Eagan Transit Station,” said MVTA Chief Development Officer Matt Fyten, noting that demand closely tracked with the fair’s busiest days.
Station ridership also saw important shifts in 2025:
- Burnsville Transit Station: 42 percent of total ridership
- Eagan Transit Station: 35 percent of total ridership
- Southbridge Crossings Park & Ride: 23 percent of total ridership
Both Eagan and Southbridge stations served more riders than ever before, helping balance the system and improve access for south metro residents.
A Growing Role in Community Mobility
The 2025 record surpasses the 127,220 rides in 2024 and 110,718 rides in 2023, underscoring MVTA’s expanding role in regional mobility.
“Transit is more than just a ride—it’s a connection to experiences, traditions, and community,” added Wynder. “The State Fair is one of Minnesota’s most iconic events, and MVTA is proud to provide safe, reliable, and efficient service that helps make it accessible for all.”
Next Stop: Renaissance Festival
With the State Fair complete, MVTA has transitioned additional buses to serve the Minnesota Renaissance Festival. Weekend service will operate through Sept. 28 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 information about MVTA service, call MVTA Customer Service at 952-882-7500 or visit mvta.com.
