When the 2022 Minnesota State Fair begins Thursday, SouthWest Transit will provide service to it again.
But, due to budgetary concerns and driver availability this year, the fair service is being reduced to eight days. In past years, SouthWest provided the service for all 12 days.
During this year’s fair, which takes place from Aug. 25 through Sept. 5, the SouthWest bus service will operate every 15 minutes from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays, Aug. 25-28 and Sept. 1-4.
“Since we took such a big hit last year with only providing around 30,000 rides instead of the 115,000 we brought (to) the prior state fair, we need to first see that the crowds are returning before thinking of putting in the full 12 days,” stated Jake Simich, marketing/PR administrator for SouthWest, in an email Wednesday. “But we are optimistic this change will only be happening for 2022 and 2023 will see us back to 12 days.”
The round-trip cost to and from the fair this year is $6. Half-priced fares for seniors and free for military members will be available on Thursdays.
Boarding locations will be at SouthWest Station in Eden Prairie, SouthWest Village in Chanhassen, and East Creek Station in Chaska.
SouthWest Transit provides express and local bus service to residents of Eden Prairie, Chanhassen, Chaska, Carver, and surrounding communities.