SMART Transit to begin offering routes between Mayo Clinic campuses in Austin, Albert Lea

Published 7:05 am Saturday, November 10, 2018

Starting next year, patients in need of services in Albert Lea or Austin can now get from point A to point B.

Beginning in January 2019, SMART Transit will offer continual round trip services from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, along with limited additional trips on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

The cost of the shuttle service will be $3 per person, per one-way trip, with the remaining cost per trip covered through a grant from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). More details regarding the services will be available in early December.

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“Austin and Albert Lea share a long history of interaction between our communities and ensuring transit options exist for patients from both cities helps support quality health care accessibility, “ said City Administrator Craig Clark. “We appreciate the partnership that allows for this connection between Mayo facilities and hope that it can lead to other ridership options as we build the program. MnDOT and SMART’s recognition of this need is greatly appreciated.”

SMART Transit, which is a division of Cedar Valley Services, Inc., made the announcement in partnership with Albert Lea, Freeborn County, Austin, Mower County, Mayo Clinic Health System and Riverland Community College.

Once SMART Transit begins the routes between Albert Lea and Austin, those involved in the program will monitor the program’s success and measure the amount of ridership that the new route would attract.

“We’re really excited to be able to work with other community partners to support this amenity for people,” said Ilaya Hopkins, community engagement manager of Southeast Minnesota for Mayo Clinic. “We look forward to offer this going forward.”