Metro Transit bus and rail fares (that includes all suburban agencies, too) are not the only ones going up. This year it will cost more to take SouthWest Transit express service to the State Fair.
Round trip rides from the southwestern suburbs to the fair will cost $8 for adults, up from $5 in previous years. The first fare hike for State Fair express service in 20 years is necessary to cover increasing costs for fuel, staffing and weekday parking lot rental, said the transit agency's CEO Len Simich.
Use these guides to explore the fair
"We are not looking to make money from the State Fair service," he said. "We are just pricing the service similar to our everyday Express Service. Our goal is to break even while still providing the excellent service people have come to expect from SouthWest Transit."
While single adult fares for ages 13 to 64 will go to $8, two adults can ride for $15. Seniors 65 and older, members of the military with identification and youth ages 6 to 12 will continue to ride for $5 while those 5 and younger and disabled veterans with identification will ride free.
Presale adult tickets at a discounted rate of $7 will be sold from Aug. 1 and Aug. 18 at SouthWest Station, located at 13500 Technology Drive, Eden Prairie.
Riders must pay cash. Metropasses, Go-To Cards or other discounted passes or promotional passes will not be accepted.
SouthWest will offer weekday service from Wooddale Church in Eden Prairie and weekend service from SouthWest Station in Eden Prairie, SouthWest Village in Chanhassen and East Creek Station in Chaska.
The Minnesota State Fair Aug. 24 to Sept. 4.
