Minnesota Valley fleet passes local DOT inspection
Buses are annually inspected by Minnesota State Patrol, commercial vehicle department to ensure ADA compliance, bus registration and insurance compliance.
The Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA) fleet of 118 buses passed their annual inspection by the Minnesota Department of Transportation with zero deficiencies for the third year in a row.
"This is an extraordinary achievement in our industry," said Dan Schmitt, president of Schmitty and Sons, the operator of service for the MVTA.
The MVTA buses are annually inspected by Minnesota State Patrol, commercial vehicle department to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, bus registration and insurance compliance. The inspection includes a visual walk-through of each vehicle, checking for defects; vehicles are either approved for in-service operation if everything is in compliance, or the bus is "downed" if there is something wrong.
The inspection is either a pass or fail.
More Bus

Biz Briefs: New Flyer Delivers in Columbus, Houston, Beep and Freebee Merge, and More
In this edition of Biz Briefs, we spotlight the latest developments shaping the future of mobility.
Read More →
People Movement: Dan Dipert Coaches Adds Third-Generation Leader, Keolis Names New Valley Metro VP/GM, and More
In this edition, we also cover recent appointments and announcements at the Wabtec, SilverRide, HNTB, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.
Read More →
New York MTA Plans Largest Bus Fleet Upgrade in More Than a Decade
The agency is seeking manufacturers for 650 new CNG buses to replace aging vehicles, improve reliability, and advance its broader fleet modernization strategy.
Read More →Building a Flexible Path to Transit Electrification
John Hroncich discusses BAE Systems’ modular and scalable approach, lessons learned from decades of real-world operations, and how agencies can identify electrification strategies that fit their fleets.
Read More →
Bus Tech Talk: Keeping Transit Technicians Ahead of the Technology Curve
LA Metro’s Obed Mejia discusses technician training, evolving maintenance technology, fleet replacement, and strategies for getting the most out of today’s transit fleets.
Read More →
Biz Briefs: RIPTA Unveils New Frontrunners, Clevland RTA Adds New Siemens, and More
In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at recent news from Siemens, Prevost, Dodge, and more partnerships making headlines across the transportation sector.
Read More →
People Movement: Holly Arnold Joins Transdev and More
In this edition, we also cover recent appointments and announcements at Pace, CamTran, MCI, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.
Read More →
The High Cost of Transit Buses: Industry Leaders Look to Procurement Reform
Transit leaders and policymakers examine how standardized bus designs, streamlined procurement, and predictable funding could help agencies stretch budgets and deliver better service.
Read More →
The Business Voice Behind Public Transportation
As chair of APTA’s Business Members Board of Governors, Ray Melleady explains how more than 850 business members are partnering with transit agencies to advance funding, innovation, and industry-wide collaboration.
Read More →From Surviving to Thriving: Building Stronger Transportation Organizations
Bus Business Consultants founder Brian Dickson shares lessons on leadership, organizational health, and creating options for long-term success in a changing transportation industry.
Read More →