Dakota County has launched a new bus service to help residents who lack transportation get to their county appointments, public health visits, and other services. According to a County press release, DakotaLink will provide round-trip service three times daily Monday through Friday between the Judicial Center in Hastings and transit hubs at Cedar Grove Transit Station in Eagan, and the Signal Hills Shopping Center in West St. Paul, where riders can access Metro Transit and Minnesota Valley Transit Authority bus connections. The service is intended for Dakota County clients who rely on public transportation to meet with a financial or social worker, public health nurse, veterans service officer or probation officer, or other staff members regarding their county business. Those involved in the court system, or who want to attend immunization, dental, or WIC clinics also can ride DakotaLink. There is no cost to ride DakotaLink. DakotaLink routes begin from the Judicial Center at 6:50 AM, 11 AM and 5:30 PM. Riders should look for the DakotaLink bus stop signs located at each of the three stops along the route. Drivers will not make unscheduled stops. DakotaLink buses are operated by Minnesota Coaches/Hastings Bus Company.
