[IMAGE]MVTANewFlyerXcelsiordemoFULL.jpg[/IMAGE] The Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA) will put a New Flyer Xcelsior Bus in trial service on a variety of routes from June 3 to 11. Passengers, drivers and maintenance personnel will all have the opportunity to provide comments about the bus. 

Ridership models in MVTA’s implementation plan update, currently being completed by Dakota County, have indicated that a standard-sized bus will provide sufficient capacity for the initial station-to-station BRT in the corridor. The Xcelsior offers a seating capacity of 42, plus standees.

The Xcelsior bus will include overhead destination signs indicating the route it is performing. Magnetic logos or decals will also be placed on the vehicle to help identify it as part of the MVTA fleet. Given that the MVTA has this bus on loan for a temporary period, bicycle racks will not be installed on the vehicle. Riders will be expected to pay their usual fare.

Surveys will be distributed on the bus to collect information about the passenger experience, including rider comfort, wheelchair accessibility, seating style and challenges in boarding/riding the vehicle.