Changes to Dial-A-Ride service in Lake Minnetonka communities

Expanded service area and hours, and new service provider beginning Sept. 1

Contact: Bonnie Kollodge
651.602.1357

ST. PAUL—July 12, 2007—The Metropolitan Council has approved changes to local dial-a-ride service in some Lake Minnetonka-area communities that will mean expanded hours of service, more travel options and a new service provider beginning Sept. 1.

The Council contracts with transportation providers throughout the region to provide localized services, such as the dial-a-ride services in Lake Minnetonka-area communities. The Council competitively procures these services to ensure customers get the best value possible. The competitive process also allows the Council to use federal dollars to provide the local service.

“We have a couple things going on here simultaneously,” said the Council’s Director of Metropolitan Transportation Services Arlene McCarthy.

“We looked at ridership trends in the area and decided to add evening and Saturday service. We also wanted to provide customers with a wider range of options in terms of destinations, so we combined the South Shore and Minnetonka Dial-A-Ride service areas to create one larger territory.

“As a result, a customer in Shorewood, for example, will be able to use the service to get to Ridgedale. We think that’s a good outcome.”

Under the new arrangement, the Lake Minnetonka Area Dial-A-Ride service area will include Minnetonka, Deephaven, Greenwood, Shorewood, Excelsior and Tonka Bay.

At the same time the service changes were in the works, the Council competitively bid the service to comply with Council policy and qualify for federal funding. The Council ultimately, on July 11, awarded the five-year contract to a new provider, Midwest Paratransit Services. Midwest Paratransit operates dial-a-ride services in Maple Grove and Hopkins, and beginning Sept. 1 will operate the Lake Minnetonka Area Dial-A-Ride.

The Council also oversees the Route 678 general public dial-a-ride service in Mound and Spring Park. That service area is unchanged, though the provider will change to Midwest Paratransit. Seniors in the two communities also have the option of using the dial-a-ride program that Senior Community Services will continue to operate through Westonka Rides.

“We have a high level of confidence in Midwest Paratransit and we’ll work closely with the providers to ensure the transition will be seamless to customers,” said McCarthy. “Residents will continue to call in for service, just like they usually do. Vehicles will be the same. The important differences will be the availability of some additional hours of service and a combined service area that will allow us to provide more travel options.”

“I have no doubt that most customers will be pleased with the additional transportation opportunities they’ll have under the new arrangement,” said Council Member Mary Smith. “A change in provider may have raised concerns and created uncertainty among some residents, and that’s understandable. But the procurement process helps us to periodically review services, ensure the best value and meet our obligation to customers and taxpayers. It also allows the Council to take advantage of federal resources.”

Any questions can be directed to the Metropolitan Council by contacting John Harper by phone at 651.602.1744 or via email: John.Harper@metc.state.mn.us.

The Metropolitan Council is the regional planning agency for the seven-county Twin Cities area. It runs the regional bus and light-rail system, collects and treats wastewater, coordinates regional water resources, plans regional parks and administers funds that provide housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income individuals and families. The Council board is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the Governor.