Sustainable Eagan Advisory Commission Meeting – February 10, 2026

The Sustainable Eagan Advisory Commission (SEAC) held its regular monthly meeting on February 10, 2026, at 6:30 PM at the Eagan Municipal Center. The primary agenda item was a presentation by representatives from the Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA) covering transit services, ridership trends, and the agency’s sustainability progress. The commission also received updates on the clean energy definition, upcoming community events, and climate action plan milestones.

Consent Calendar

• Roll Call: Commissioners Raker, Hook, and Patrick were absent.
• Approval of Agenda: Approved unanimously by voice vote.
• Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the December 29, 2025 special meeting were approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke during the “Visitors to Be Heard” portion.

Presentations: MVTA Transit Updates

• Fixed Route Services: MVTA provides fixed-route bus service (larger buses on regular schedules) and on-demand microtransit (Connect). From 2024 to 2025, overall MVTA ridership increased by nearly 8%, with express routes growing over 10%. Eagan-specific routes saw a 7% increase, with routes 4fun and 436 showing substantial gains.
• Connect Microtransit: This on-demand, $3-per-ride service operates within Eagan’s city limits. In 2025, Eagan Connect ridership grew 6.4% over the previous year, with an average daily ridership of 161 trips. About 47% of riders said they would have used Uber/Lyft otherwise; 20% reported household income under $15,000. The average wait time is 21 minutes. The service is ADA-compliant; one in ten riders has a disability.
• Event Services: MVTA offers round-trip service for $6 to events such as the State Fair, Vikings games, and concerts, serving as an introduction for first-time transit users.
• Sustainability Performance: MVTA’s first sustainability plan (2023) was recognized as “most transformative” by the FTA. In 2025, transit use avoided 2.9 million kilograms of CO₂e (roughly 3,000 metric tons), equivalent to taking one car off the road for 7.5 million miles or the carbon absorbed by 3,000 acres of forest. MVTA is adding 7 hybrid-electric buses, deploying electric Connect vehicles (e-Jess), and planning EV charging stations at park-and-rides.
• Future Service Changes (March 2026): Route 442 will be replaced by Route 440; Route 445 will be rerouted to stop at the Eagan Community Center (based on city partnership); Route 489 may be reduced due to low ridership but similar service exists on enhanced Route 436 (which now includes airport access via Eagan Transit Station).

Discussion & Q&A

• EV Performance in Cold Weather: The e-Jess vehicles have performed well in snow and cold, though large doors can let in cold air. Heaters are powerful, and range has not been an issue even in bitter cold.
• Rider Experience: A commissioner shared that a Connect trip once took 45 minutes when a direct drive would be 10 minutes. Staff recommended using the “arrive by” feature to better match schedules, as the algorithm can account for a desired arrival time.
• Barriers to Transit Use: Main barriers include unfamiliarity, infrequent service (hourly vs. 30-minute), and confusion about MVTA being part of the public transit system (some think it’s a premium service). Travel training, event services, and partnerships with schools and employers are key strategies to attract new riders.
• Partnerships & Incentives: Employers can offer subsidized Metropasses; the University of Minnesota provides a universal transit pass to students/faculty. MVTA works with Enjoy Eagan and local businesses on marketing and service planning.
• Other Questions: Bike racks fit two bikes (standard size; oversize e-bikes may not fit). Any items that a rider can carry are allowed. Children under 10 are not recommended to ride alone; all vehicles have cameras.
• Clean Energy Definition: Commissioner Robichot asked about the council’s consideration of the working definition of “clean energy.” Staff reported the definition was presented to the council with no feedback received, so it is considered accepted. The definition will be added to the city’s sustainability website.

Key Outcomes

• The agenda and minutes were approved unanimously.
• No formal votes were taken on the MVTA presentation; it was informational.
• The commission acknowledged the clean energy definition as accepted and endorsed its inclusion on the city website.
• Staff announced that SEAC members with expiring terms received reapplication instructions; applications close end of March.
• The Sustainable Eagan Academy’s first session had over 50 attendees; next session is February 26, 2026.
• The second annual Eagan Earth Day celebration will be on April 18, 2026, with events throughout April.
• The climate action plan continues progress: a resident/business resource webpage has been added; an alternative fuels fleet plan is near finalization; the city was accepted into Xcel Energy’s Partners in Energy program; a communications campaign will launch around Earth Month.
• The meeting adjourned on a motion and second, with all in favor.