SouthWest Transit has launched new local and express services on Saturdays for the holidays.

Route 690N with express service from Southwest Station in Eden Prairie to downtown Minneapolis operates every 45 minutes from 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Return service is offered between 10:35 a.m. and 5:20 p.m.

The service includes stops all along Hennepin Avenue and at the Gateway Ramp on Washington Avenue. The fare is $2.25 for ages 13 to 65 and 75 cents for ages 6 to 12 and 65 and older.

SouthWest also is offering free local service on Saturday between 9:23 a.m. and 4:06 p.m. Buses will run to and from Southwest Station along Mitchell Road, Anderson Lakes Parkway, Garden Lane, Foundatin Place and Preserve Blvd. The bus also stops at Eden Prairie Center.

"Our holiday Saturday services will introduce many other riders to our system, and provide them a convenient way to enjoy the season," said CEO Len Simich.

Both the local and express Saturday service will end on Jan. 3.

Detailed schedules and route maps are available here.