More riders are enjoying the convenience of riding SouthWest Transit buses to the Minnesota State Fair.
SouthWest Transit recently reported another record-breaking year of service to the Minnesota State Fair, providing 120,158 rides — an increase of 2.2 percent over 2025.
Last year’s record-breaking mark was 117,543 rides. This year’s milestone came despite a slight decline in overall fair attendance compared with 2025 and 2024.
“We’re really proud to see State Fair ridership set a new record for the second year in a row,” said Erik Hansen, CEO of SouthWest Transit. “The Fair is a big operation for us, and it takes a lot of people working together to keep the buses moving and serve our riders. I’m grateful for the work our team puts in every year to make this service happen.”
The strong ridership numbers started early in the 12-day event. During the first four days of the fair, SouthWest Transit provided 48,873 rides, 16 percent more than the same period in 2025. Three of those first four days set individual daily ridership records, including Friday, Aug. 28, when 15,299 rides were provided.
For many fairgoers, taking the bus means skipping the traffic and parking challenges that come with one of Minnesota’s largest annual events. SouthWest Transit operates continuous State Fair shuttle service from four locations in the southwest metro: Eden Prairie SouthWest Station, Chanhassen SouthWest Village, Chaska East Creek and Carver.
Riders have also shared their appreciation for the service throughout the fair.
“This is the very best way to get to the State Fair and Renaissance Festival,” one rider commented on SouthWest Transit’s social media.
Another rider shared, “Free parking and $6 dollars gets me dropped off at the front gate and then picked up at the front gate. This is a priceless service.”
“We love being able to provide this service for our community,” Hansen said. “The State Fair brings people together from all over Minnesota, and we’re glad SouthWest Transit can be part of that. Seeing more than 120,000 rides this year is pretty special. Thank you to everyone who chose to ride with us this year.”
SouthWest Transit’s State Fair service is now complete for 2026, but event transportation continues throughout the fall with weekend shuttle service to the Minnesota Renaissance Festival.
SouthWest Transit also provides transportation to select concerts, sporting events and other major community events throughout the year.
