Legislative Update - MVTA Connect

Hello Friends,

In my previous legislative update, I covered the new laws taking effect this year. If you haven’t read it yet, you should check it out!

This week, I’m excited to share that the Minnesota Valley Transit Authority began serving Shakopee with the MVTA Connect microtransit service. This is a project I was able to secure funding for in our 2023 Transportation Budget Bill.

MVTA Connect is a point-to-point service that provides travel connections to everyone living in the Shakopee/Prior Lake Zone.

MVTA Connect's coverage

The service is app-based and allows customers to book their own rides using their smart phones. Riders can book trips within the zone and can use MVTA Connect as an option to connect with MVTA bus routes that travel throughout the metro region. In Shakopee, regional connections can be made at the Marschall Road Transit Station, and other areas like Downtown Shakopee, St. Francis Hospital, Town Square Mall, the Southbridge Crossings Park & Ride, and more.

The fare is $3 per trip and payment can be made via a credit card or debit card on the app, or by using a Go-To Card or with $3 cash (exact amount, drivers don’t make change) when boarding. Children 5 and under ride free.

This new service is a great option for folks that need that extra mile of transit at the start or end of their journeys. If you become a user, let me know!

You can read more about this new service on the MVTA website.

I’ll be once again serving on the House’s Transportation Committee this session, where I’ll be fighting for even more transit options and investments for Shakopee. 

Minnesota’s Cold Weather Rule

After a late December heat wave melted all our snow, freezing temps are back - a good reminder that Minnesota’s Cold Weather Rule remains in effect. Minnesota’s “cold weather rule” protects residents from having electric or natural gas service shut off between October 1 and April 30.

To ensure your service is safe from disconnection you must make and keep a payment plan that you and your utility provider agree on. Although Minnesota has very cold winters, it’s never had a statewide law requiring landlords to maintain a minimum temperature for rental units. That changed during last year’s legislative session after the DFL took action to protect renters. 

Minnesota landlords are required to keep rental units at a minimum of 68 degrees from October to April if the tenant does not control the thermostat. We are committed to making sure everyone stays warm, healthy, and safe all winter long.  

More information is available on the Minnesota Department of Commerce’s website here.  If you have any questions about the resources available to our community, please feel free to reach out to me or our new legislative assistant, Tenzin Tsangyang.

Brad Tabke, State Representative | Rep.Brad.Tabke@house.mn.gov

Tenzin Tsangyang, Legislative Assistant | Tenzin.Tsangyang@house.mn.gov