Southwest Transitway

The Southwest Transitway is a proposed high frequency transit line connecting Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, Hopkins, St. Louis Park, Minneapolis neighborhoods and the Minneapolis downtown area. Click here to view a map of recommended routes . The Hennepin County Regional Railroad has been leading the preparation of studies and plans for a transitway to serve this growing part of the Metro Area.

A Key Partner: The Federal Transit Administration

The plan for the Southwest Transitway assumes that funding for capital costs will come from 3 sources: the County Regional Railroad Authority, the State of Minnesota, and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). Up to 50% of capital costs could be funded through the FTA “New Starts” program. For this reason, the FTA is an important and involved partner as the planning process for a transitway project like the SW Transitway goes forward.

Hennepin County staff worked with FTA staff in 2007 to review the results of the Alternatives Analysis study (conducted 2005 – 2006) and to work towards common understanding on how to proceed with the next study phase, the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement. Staff will continue to engage the FTA staff in 2008 to ensure that this important partner is well informed and has opportunity to advise and help to direct the planning work for a Southwest Transitway.