SouthWest Transit (SWT) has announced a new route – 686 – which will provide a direct connection from SouthWest Station in Eden Prairie to MSP International Airport. The route includes key stops along the I-494 corridor, such as the Mall of America (MOA), Best Buy Headquarters, Southtown Shopping Center and Normandale Lake Office Park.
“We are thrilled to announce the start of this route, which will enhance our already popular airport service by expanding access to MSP seven days a week, from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.,” said SWT CEO Erik Hansen.
The new route will feature two service patterns: the Local service (686L), with stops at 16 locations along the corridor, and the Express service (686X), which runs exclusively between SouthWest Station, MOA and MSP.
With this service expansion, SouthWest Transit will offer an overnight parking option, creating an affordable alternative for airport parking. The route will run on either an hourly or 45-minute schedule, depending on the service pattern and time.
The new 686 route is set to begin operation on March 31, offering extended hours of service to MSP and addressing growing demand beyond the SW Prime Airport service. SW Prime Airport will remain available until April 26, providing an overlap period for riders before that service sunsets.
In celebration of the new route, SouthWest Transit has launched a Community Design Contest for local youth, inviting individuals ages 11 to 18 that live or go to school in Eden Prairie, Chanhassen, Chaska, Carver and Victoria to submit their designs for two of the new 686 bus wraps. Submissions are due by Jan. 31. Contest details can be found on the SWT site.
