Changes to Dial-A-Ride service in west metro communities

Met Council assures “seamless” transition to new provider beginning Jan. 2

Contact:
Bonnie Kollodge
651.602.1357

ST. PAUL—Dec. 20, 2007—The Metropolitan Council is making changes in some local dial-a-ride service that will mean a new service provider in 16 west metro communities beginning Jan. 2. The change to Midwest Paratransit Service will prompt a change in the phone number to call for reservations, but Council officials say buses will stay the same and customers will continue to experience the same high quality service they’ve come to expect.

The change is the result of a transition to a competitive bidding process. The Council contracts with transportation providers throughout the region to provide localized services, such as the dial-a-ride services in the west metro

Beginning Jan. 2 Midwest Paratransit Services, based out of Maple Grove, will provide dial-a-ride services in three service areas. Customers in affected communities will need to call a new number for reservations, which is 763.235.2200.

West Hennepin County Dial-A-Ride Transit Service will provide weekday service in the communities of Greenfield, Independence, Minnetrista, St. Bonifacious, Loretto, Medina, Minnetonka Beach, Orono and Wayzata. Hours of service are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The City of Edina Dial-A-Ride Transit Service provides weekday service in Edina from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Customers can schedule their rides by calling Midwest Paratransit Services.

Finally, the Senior Transportation Program Dial-A-Ride Transit Service will provide weekday service from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the cities of Brooklyn Park, Champlin, Dayton, Maple Grove, Osseo and Rogers. The number to call is the same, 763.235.2200.

Midwest Paratransit currently operates dial-a-ride services in Maple Grove and Hopkins and the Lake Minnetonka Area Dial-A-Ride. It also operates the Route 678 general public dial-a-ride in Mound and Spring Park.

“We have a high level of confidence in Midwest Paratransit and we’ll work closely with the provider to ensure the transition will be seamless to customers,” said the Council’s Director of Metropolitan Transportation Services Arlene McCarthy.

Any questions can be directed to the Metropolitan Council by contacting Jody Jacoby at 651.602.1709 or Jody.Jacoby@metc.state.mn.us.

The Metropolitan Council is the regional planning organization 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 is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the Minnesota Governor.

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