Metro Bus is extending its ConneX shared-ride service in Sartell, Minn., through Dec. 31, 2022.
Previously, the pilot service was set to expire at the end of this year.
Metro Bus originally extended the pilot service in early 2020 with new hours and an increased fare. The pilot was extended again in late 2020 due to the unexpected changes in ridership levels during the year, which Metro Bus attributes to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The extension to the pilot program through the end of 2022 allows time for Metro Bus to gather data on the effectiveness and efficiency of ConneX with the new hours and fares as it adjusts to living with COVID-19. A decision on whether to make the service permanent or revert to a fixed route for the area is expected before the expiration of the pilot.
ConneX serves Sartell seven days a week, including from 6:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays.
