MANKATO — Three of the transit routes focused on Minnesota State University have been suspended for the summer and will return as the 2025-26 academic year approaches in mid-August.
Students and MSU employees will still be able to ride Route 1, which operates 7 a.m.- 6 p.m. weekdays. Routes 8, 14, and 15 will resume operations after Aug. 17.
The summer schedule announcement by Mankato Transit also highlighted the technology that has been added to fixed routes. The buses now have an enhanced voice announcement system featuring automated interior and exterior stop announcements, digital displays and text-to-speech messaging, all aimed at improving accessibility and overall rider experience.
The new, fully automated system meets Americans with Disabilities Act standards for providing audible announcements to assist riders who have vision issues or other impairments, according to Shawn Schloesser, Mankato’s associate director of transportation planning services. Using an automated system also allows drivers to focus on their driving rather than calling out stops or making other announcements.
The voice announcement system was part of a $350,000 technology upgrade for the local transit service. The cost was primarily financed by federal and state dollars, along with $70,000 in local funding.
People looking for more details about bus routes, schedules and other aspects of the transit service can check the system’s webpage (mankatomn.gov/residents/mankato-transit-system) or call 311.