Last Thursday afternoon and all day Friday were two of the worst days for traveling that SouthWest
Transit has ever experienced. Our customers know how tough it was for them to even get to the major
stations SWT had open.
It was a long couple of days for all the employees of SouthWest Transit as well. Every employee and
every piece of equipment we use for providing transit was being utilized.
Our drivers were champions driving on roads that were in extremely poor condition.
On the SouthWest Transit Facebook page Katie Lind had this to say about our efforts: “SW got me home
from downtown Mpls to Chaska this evening with extremely low visibility and horrible road
conditions. They had a great system in place and as always, their drivers are very friendly. I've never
needed to use public transportation until recently and they have made it painless and a pleasure!”
Patti Payne, a relatively new rider, had this to say, “I want to thank Rob (bus driver) for making the
drive down so smooth when I know the roads were not easy today. Also it was great of him that he
was able to rescue the riders from another bus that had gotten stuck. I was unable to get the drivers
name coming home but he was also just as great. If it happens again that I need to find a ride down
town I will surely hop on the bus as that was so easy. Also when my work moves downtown I will be
using the bus everyday. Thank you SW for making today due-able I truly could not have done it with
out the bus.”
When we say everyone at SouthWest Transit was involved, we mean everyone. The maintenance staff
was making sure the buses were in top condition and lending a helping hand when a bus became stuck.
Facility crew members were working to keep the station’ driveways locations clear. Every driver and
driver supervisor was either driving a regular route or providing shuttle service from the major stations
to the park & ride lots. Downtown, three employees were stationed to keep track of how many people
were boarding each bus so that another bus could pull in right behind them and immediately load
passengers. Even SouthWest Management staff was in the thick of the action shuttling people to and
from the lots and directing the operations.
The winter storm plan SouthWest Transit put into action was well received. Marcia Kladek , for one, was
thankful the plan was implemented, “ I want to thank you for the plan you put into effect for storm
days. Brilliant!! Nothing is worse than standing downtown in the freezing wind and snow watching
ten 690s go by before one lonely 699 comes. This gets us off the street into a warm bus..........I could
care less that I have to stop a few extra stops. Thank you so much!”
Perhaps another of our riders, Tami Beehnerr, summed up in just five words what so many riders told us
in person, “You did an amazing job.”
We want to thank all of our riders for their help and understanding during this winter that has been one
for the record books.
If you know someone who is not yet riding SWT to work or school please share your positive experiences
with them. Please invite them to join you on the bus to see firsthand what you have been experiencing
as a rider of SouthWest Transit.