SouthWest Transit's new dial-a-ride service is up an running and this week residents of Eden Prairie can try it out for free. It debued Monday.
Residents who need a ride somewhere within the Eden Prairie city limits can book a ride through the service's website, phone app or by calling 952-797-7463. Rides for $3 per person ($2 for ages 6 to 12) will be offered from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, and until 10:30 p.m. Fridays.
Transfers to SouthWest Transit mainline buses will cost $1.
"We are very excited to roll out this new local service to Eden Prairie," said SouthWest CEO Len Simich.
SouthWest Transit will use two vehicles - a large SUV and a van - plus one bus about the size of a Metro Mobility vehicle to transport riders around the city. Riders can make reservations up to 48 hours in advance, or use it as an on-demand service. The goal is to reach riders within 10 minutes of their call, said spokeswoman Virginia Stowers.
"There had been some interest expressed, and we thought we'd try it," Stowers said about the service similar to one SouthWest officials saw in operation in San Francisco and around the Georgia Tech campus in Atlanta. "It's a newer modern/Uberish approach to get people to where they are going fast."
The Prime will expand to Chanhassen and Chaska areas by the end of August.
