SouthWest Transit to add direct bus route to MSP Airport

SouthWest Transit (SWT) announced this week that it will add a new bus route offering a direct connection between SouthWest Station (SWS) in Eden Prairie and Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP). The 686 route is set to begin operation on March 31 and will include stops along the Interstate 494 corridor, such as the Mall of America (MOA), Best Buy headquarters, Southtown Shopping Center, and Normandale Lake Office Park.

“We are thrilled to announce the start of this route, which will enhance our already popular airport service by expanding access to MSP seven days a week, from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.,” said SWT CEO Erik Hansen in a press release.

The new route will feature two service patterns: the Local service (686L), with stops at 16 locations along the corridor, and the Express service (686X), which will run exclusively between SouthWest Station, MOA, and MSP. The route will run on either an hourly or 45-minute schedule, depending on the service pattern and time. Along with the service expansion, SouthWest Transit will offer what it calls a “more robust” overnight parking option, creating an affordable alternative for airport parking. The new route is meant to address growing demand beyond the on-demand SW Prime Airport service, which will remain available until April 26, providing an overlap period for riders before the service sunsets.

In celebration of the new route, SouthWest Transit launched a Community Design Contest for local youth, inviting individuals ages 11-18 who live or go to school in Eden Prairie, Chanhassen, Chaska, Carver, and Victoria to submit their designs for two of the new 686 bus wraps. Submissions are due by Jan. 31.