Closed Park and Ride Among Potential Changes Announced by Rochester Public Transit
Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- Rochester Public Transit (RPT) is announcing a series of possible changes that includes the closure of a park-and-ride.
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Some of the other potential changes announced on Wednesday include the permanent termination of a route that has been suspended due to low ridership and the expansion of service to a recently opened park-and-ride.
On October 31, the park-and-ride lot at the IBM campus in northwest Rochester will close.
RPT’s announcement, which was made in coordination with Mayo Clinic, indicates the closure coincides with the ending of a current service agreement to use the space for a park and ride lot.
A news release issued by the city says the closure will impact 190 riders. Officials say IBM employees who rely on RPT for transportation for work will be able to use route 411.
RPT is also planning to permanently cancel route 250X, which serviced St. Mary’s Hospital, Rochester Community and Technical College and downtown Rochester. The route was suspended in June due to low ridership, officials say.
Meanwhile, transit service in northwest Rochester could be expanding. Earlier this summer, officials cut the ribbon for the new park-and-ride lot at the Hwy. 52 and 75th St. Northwest interchange.
RPT says it is now considering expanding service at the city-owned park-and-ride as well as in the new housing developments along 65th St. Northwest.
Transit officials are also considering adding a new express route that services downtown Rochester and the park-and-rides at 75th St. Northwest and the Olmsted County Fairgrounds.
RPT has launched a survey for riders to provide feedback. The survey is open through September 19 and can be access by clicking here.
Riders can also share feedback by contacting Karli McElroy, Transit Operations Planner (kmcelroy@rochestermn.gov; 507-328-2407).
RPT says the changes will be finalized over the course of September and be announced in early October. The new routes would take effect on Nov. 4.
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Gallery Credit: Troy Dunken
