I-35W Park & Ride -
There was lots of news out of Lakeville this week in regard to their transit options as not 1 but 2 new bus routes opened up to connect Lakeville to downtown Minneapolis. On Monday, Governor Tim Pawlenty and a number of other dignitaries were on hand to open the new Kenrick Avenue Metro Transit Park & Ride center along I-35. The 750 space parking facility will serve commuters taking buses to downtown Minneapolis (pictured above).
Cedar Avenue Park & Ride -
In addition, competing service provider, Minnesota Valley Transit Authority, is opening their first service into Lakeville which will run along Cedar Avenue. The route will use a temporary parking lot at Crossroads United Methodist Church and switch to a permanent 181 space lot on Cedar Avenue and 181st Street later in October. From there the buses will take commuters to the Apple Valley Transit Center where connections to both Minneapolis and St. Paul are available.
News Sources -
The opening of 2 routes follows a contentious time for the city of Lakeville which had resisted entering the taxing district and had been accused by Apple Valley of clogging their park & ride lots.
- In May 2008, the city of Lakeville finally agreed to enter the taxing district to get bus service – Lakeville Approves Transit Tax
- In September 2009, the city goes from 0 options to 2 almost overnight. It’s somewhat controversial as Metro Transit enters MVTA territory – Lakeville Bus Options
- On September 28th, the Governor and local officials cut the ribbon – Officials Welcome Transit Options
- The MVTA route ties into the Cedar Avenue Transitway which has caused much controversy in Apple Valley as it disrupts traditional traffic in Apple Valley – Cedar Valley Transitway
- The new Transitway has given rise to a major new Transit Center being built in Apple Valley that is being funded with federal stimulus funds – Apple Valley – Transit Center Funding
- The old 337 spot Apple Valley Transit Center is often overflowing. The new facility (1 block north on Cedar Ave.) is taking shape will address capacity issues. (old on left, new on right)
