SouthWest Station
| Company type | Transit center |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public transportation |
| Founded | 1998 |
| Headquarters | Eden Prairie , United States |
Area served | Eden Prairie, Minnesota |
| Products | Park and ride facilities, bus platforms, future light rail stop |
SouthWest Station functions as a park and ride location and transit center featuring two bus platforms serving SouthWest Transit in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Currently, it is undergoing redevelopment to incorporate a light rail stop as part of the Metro Southwest LRT, which extends the Green Line. Positioned on Technology Drive close to U.S. Route 212, the Metropolitan Council acquired the facility from SouthWest Transit for $8 million in December 2018. According to a 2021 analysis, parking utilization dropped significantly from 829 vehicles in 2019 to 156, primarily due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Inspired by the design of Burnsville Transit Station, SouthWest Station commenced operations in 1998, offering 500 parking spots and encompassing 15 acres designated for residential and commercial development. The initial investment of $5 million was double the expenditure for Burnsville Station. In 2001, construction started on a three-story parking structure accommodating 700 cars at a cost of $9.7 million, with provisions for future enlargement. Adjacent parcels were developed for dining establishments, apartments, and townhomes. By 2006, parking capacity reached 900 spaces distributed over five levels, yet demand often exceeded availability. At that time, the neighboring Southwest Village featured 230 residential units.