2040 Comprehensive Plan: Envision Shakopee

282 Running Header Place Holder 2 1 3 4 6 7 8 TRANSIT ISSUES Transportation 5 Running Header Place Holder Running Header Place Holder Running Header Place Holder Running Header Place Holder Running Header Place Holder Running Header Place Holder

LACK OF SHARED MOBILITY OPTIONS Residents engaged through stakeholder outreach were generally aware of peak-period commuter bus service from local park and rides to Downtown Minneapolis. These prototypical commute trips, however, represent only a small fraction of the mobility needs of the community. Between an aging population and shifts in demographic and employment patterns, the need for more flexible shared mobility options will continue to grow. Existing fixed-route local transit does not have designated stop locations and is difficult for riders to access and find. Based on a flag stop system, there are not designated bus stops. Buses on these routes run on an hourly headway, a service interval that does not meet all needs. PARATRANSIT AND OTHER FLEXIBLE TRANSIT SERVICES SmartLink Transit Dial-A-Ride and Medical Assistance programs are available for any mobility need not met by fixed-route transit, provided those trips can be scheduled within daytime service hours. In practice, residents reported they are unable to rely on them. Some mentioned the Dial-A-Ride program rides are often not available when needed due to high demand, geographic limitations (Dial-A-Ride trips must begin and end within Scott or Carver County) and limited service hours. For others, the need to schedule rides in advance and plan around a 30-minute pickup window is a barrier. Flexible transit services potentially address the “last-mile” challenges created by distributed services, amenities, and employment, but existing service models are not able to fully meet demand with available resources.

ENVISION SHAKOPEE | SECTION IV: BUILT ENVIRONMENT