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Mayor TenHaken and Congressman Dusty Johnson will visit Sioux Area Metro to showcase innovative and cost effective public transportation solutions and celebrate “Free Summer Fridays”

Sioux Area Metro — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 17:15:00 GMT

On Thursday, June 18, Mayor Paul TenHaken will be joined by U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson for an event to discuss how Sioux Falls has reimagined public transportation across the city.The event will include remarks and a ride along, during which Mayor TenHaken and Rep. Johnson will take a ride on SAM On-Demand, the city’s on-demand transit service to showcase part of the updated comprehensive and integrated transit system. Since the launch of the new system which covers the entire city of Sioux Falls, transit ridership has increased almost 40% on fixed route transit alone while also adding an on-demand microtransit option for those who are traveling outside of fixed route corridors. The event will highlight the importance of innovation and technology in providing better service and using public dollars effectively.

WHAT:
For decades, Sioux Area Metro (SAM) provided basic transit services with a fixed route and paratransit network focused on the core of the city. However, in 2024, Sioux Falls selected Via to design and implement a data-driven, integrated system that better connects residents to jobs and other destinations, which has shown incredible results thus far.

Sioux Area Metro is offering free rides every Friday again this year during the summer months (through September 4, 2026). The "Summer Fridays" program applies to all fixed-route buses and paratransit services, allowing riders to simply board without paying any fare, in an effort to bring more riders to utilize the city’s improved public transportation system.

WHO:
Paul TenHaken, Mayor of Sioux Falls, SD
Congressman Dusty Johnson, U.S. House of Representatives
Andrei Greenawalt, Chief Policy Officer, Via

WHEN AND WHERE:
Thursday, June 18 at 9:30 AM CT; Meet at the large mural on the Mall Avenue Parking Ramp along 10th Street across from the bus depot (SAM Downtown Bus Depot, 120 E. 11th Street, Sioux Falls, SD 57104)

Contact:
Gabby McGaig
Chief Communications Officer, Via
gabby@ridewithvia.com

Sioux Area Metro Reintroduces "Summer Fridays" with Free Bus and Paratransit Fares

Sioux Area Metro — Tue, 12 May 2026 13:00:00 GMT

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (May 12, 2026) — Sioux Area Metro (SAM) is excited to announce the return of its popular Summer Friday program. Starting the Friday before Memorial Day and running through the Friday after Labor Day, all riders can enjoy free fares on fixed-route buses and paratransit services every Friday.

Following the successful implementation of the "SAM Reimagined" plan, which expanded transit access to 100% of the city, this initiative is designed to encourage residents and visitors to explore the revamped system while attending summer events throughout Sioux Falls.

"Our goal is to encourage residents to try the new transit system over the summer to reach the many vibrant events happening across the city," said Justin Jellinek, Via’s lead of Central Operations. "By removing the fare on Fridays, we’re making it even easier for the community to see how efficient and accessible our redesigned network has become.".

Sioux Area Metro Announces Free Bus Fare for Cyclists Week of May 11 to Celebrate National Bike Month

Sioux Area Metro — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 16:15:00 GMT

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (April 15, 2026) — Sioux Area Metro (SAM) and the City of Sioux Falls today announced that all bus fares will be waived for riders who board with a bicycle throughout the week of May 11. This initiative, launched in honor of National Bike Month, aims to encourage sustainable commuting and highlight the seamless integration between cycling and the city’s redesigned transit network.