SouthWest Transit is breaking new ground with an innovative bus wrap design contest for students, ages 11-18, that prioritizes creative expression and accessibility. The initiative aims to engage students from across the region, offering a unique opportunity to transform public transportation through art.
Judging Process
The contest has been deliberately designed to welcome artists of all backgrounds and skill levels.
“Accessibility is really important to us,” said Erica King, director of marketing. The competition accepts both physical and digital artwork, ensuring that students can participate regardless of their technological resources or artistic mediums.
What sets this contest apart is its unique evaluation approach. Participants must not only submit artwork but also provide a 200-word explanation of their design’s inspiration.
“We’re not looking for perfect art,” King emphasized. “We want to understand the creativity and connection behind the design.”
Contest Details
- Age Groups: Two separate categories (11-14 & 15-18)
- Eligibility: Students living or attending school in SouthWest Transit’s service areas (Eden Prairie, Chanhassen, Chaska, Carver, or Victoria)
- Submission Deadline: End of January 2025
- Prize: Winning designs featured on transit vehicles for a minimum of one year
- See SouthWest Transit website for more details: https://www.swtransit.org/community-design-contest/
Community Outreach
SouthWest Transit has extensively promoted the contest, reaching out to:
- Local schools
- Media outlets
- Chambers of commerce
- Nonprofit partners
- Local officials
This marks the first time SouthWest Transit has conducted such a comprehensive design contest. The timing coincides with the arrival of new vehicles, providing a perfect canvas for student creativity.
“We wanted to create something fun and engaging during the holiday break,” King explained. “It’s an opportunity for students to showcase their artistic talents while becoming part of our community’s transit story.”
New Service
SouthWest Transit will be starting a fixed-route service that is more than just a transportation upgrade — it’s a direct result of community feedback and the organization’s commitment to responsive, innovative transit solutions.
“We’ve heard more community members,” King explained, “and we know that this is about our option in the long run.”
Route Innovations
- Destinations: SouthWest Station to Mall of America and MSP Airport Terminals
- Service Options:
- Local route with multiple stops
- Express route with direct airport access
- Operating Schedule: Seven days a week, service until 11 PM
- Pricing: Affordable, aligned with standard transit fare structures
“This route is the culmination of listening to our community,” King explained. “Just as we’re inviting students to help reimagine our transit vehicles through art, we’re also reimagining how we serve our riders.”
Transformation
The new route will replace the existing SouthWest Prime Airport Service, offering unprecedented flexibility and accessibility. Passengers can expect:
- Consistent 30-minute departures
- Extended evening service
- More affordable travel options
- Increased connectivity across the region
Connecting Art and Transit
The new route provides a perfect backdrop for the student-designed bus wraps. As new vehicles roll out along the 494 corridor, they’ll showcase not just improved transit infrastructure, but also the creative spirit of local students.
“We’re trying new things. We want to be fun and responsive to what the community wants,” King noted about the broader initiatives.
Additional details about route maps, park-and-ride facilities, and specific service logistics will be announced in January. King said SouthWest Transit remains committed to innovative, community-focused transportation solutions that go beyond simple transit — creating connections, supporting creativity, and responding to community needs.
“We are all about serving the community,” King added.
