Council approves contract for Transit Link service in Dakota County

Contract is third awarded to operate reorganized dial-a-ride service

Contact: Bonnie Kollodge
651-602-1357

ST. PAUL—Mar. 24, 2010 – The Metropolitan Council today voted to award a five-year contract for Transit Link service in Dakota County to DARTS. The new contract will take effect in May, with the new service set to begin May 3. The new contract is part of the restructuring of dial-a-ride services region-wide.

It is the third and final contract awarded by the Council for the new Transit Link service. Midwest Paratransit Services Inc. was awarded two contracts for service in all of Hennepin and Washington counties, and parts of Ramsey County. (The remainder of Ramsey County is part of the Anoka County service area.)

Hennepin County Transit Link Service began on Feb. 27, and the service is scheduled to begin in Washington and the southern and eastern parts of Ramsey County on March 29.

“This contract is the final important piece of the effort to restructure dial-a-ride services and bring greater consistency to the service region-wide,” said Arlene McCarthy, director of Metropolitan Transportation Services for the Council. “This vendor has provided service to parts of Dakota County for many years, which will help to make a smooth transition for riders in this area.”

Transit Link (dial-a-ride) service is minibus or van service for members of the general public. It is different from the ADA-certified services provided by Metro Mobility, which serves riders who need additional assistance due to physical, cognitive or psychological limitations. These changes do not affect ADA transit service.

Previously, dial-a-ride transit service was delivered by multiple providers in small service areas throughout the region. The restructured service will be delivered to five service areas, and operating guidelines, such as hours of operation and fares will be consistent region-wide. In addition, riders will call one number for reservations.

Riders will be able to travel within each service area, as well as anywhere throughout the region. A transfer may be required, depending on the destination.

The new contract will cover service in all of Dakota County. Previously, residents in Hastings were served by the TRAC program, but did not otherwise have access to locations beyond the city of Hastings.

Transit Link service is being phased in throughout the region. New guidelines and fares took effect in Carver and Scott counties on Jan. 1. Those counties currently operate their own transit services and will continue to provide dial-a-ride services under the new structure. Anoka County contracts with a private provider to deliver service and will implement Transit Link guidelines and fares in April.

The remaining four counties will have their services provided through contracts administered by the Council. No changes will take place in an area until a new contract is in place, at which time vendors will operate under the Transit Link parameters and fare structure, which will be consistent across the metro area.

Once implemented, Transit Link service will be available weekdays from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Rides may be scheduled up to five days in advance by calling 651-602-LINK (-5465) between 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Fares are based on the distance traveled. For trips less than 10 miles, passengers will pay $2.25 each way. For trips between 10 and 20 miles, the fare will be $4.50 each way. And for trips greater than 20 miles, riders will pay $6.75 each way. Transfers are free, and discounts are available for group trips. ADA-certified riders pay a maximum of $4.50 per direction, regardless of distance.