Arrowhead Transit is thrilled to announce its new partnership with Minnesota North College, aimed at providing enhanced public transportation access to students, staff, and the surrounding communities. This innovative collaboration seeks to expand transportation options for rural Minnesotans, demonstrating that transportation models designed for urban areas can be successfully adapted for rural settings.
Across the nation, urban centers have utilized public transportation models to offer easy access to educational institutions, work opportunities, and essential services. Now, Arrowhead Transit is bringing a similar model to the rural areas of Minnesota, where colleges and universities such as the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, St. Cloud State, and the University of Minnesota Duluth already employ robust student transit systems. By introducing this model to communities in Grand Rapids, Hibbing, Virginia, and beyond, Arrowhead Transit hopes to give students greater freedom and accessibility, whether it’s to attend class, access essential services, or explore social and cultural opportunities.
As part of this initiative, Arrowhead Transit will track student usage of various services, including Scheduled Stops, Commuter Routes, and Dial-A-Ride. These services are specifically designed to make travel to and from campus more convenient and efficient. Through this partnership, Arrowhead Transit aims to eliminate transportation barriers, ensuring that students can access their educational opportunities without the reliance on personal vehicles, which can be costly and often unavailable in rural areas.
“Just because our communities are rural doesn’t mean the same opportunities for mobility shouldn’t exist as in urban areas,” said Brandon Nurmi, Director of Arrowhead Transit. “We are excited to offer a transportation solution that makes it easier for students to move freely between campuses, housing, and essential services. Our goal is to create more interconnectivity between cities and colleges, providing an affordable, reliable, and equitable transportation network for all.”
Key Details of the Collaboration Include:
- Scheduled Stops & Dial-A-Ride Services: Arrowhead Transit will offer curb-to-curb transportation services to and from Minnesota North College campuses, ensuring easy access to class, events, and essential services in the surrounding area.
- Ticket Color Change: A dedicated Minnesota North Transit ticket will be introduced to help track ridership and streamline the use of these services.
- Expanded Routes: In addition to existing routes, commuter routes will link campuses to the larger Arrowhead Transit network, making it easier for students to travel between cities like Grand Rapids, Hibbing, and Virginia.
This partnership aims to support students in accessing not only education but also housing options, shopping, entertainment, and essential services, all while reducing transportation costs and promoting a more sustainable form of travel. In communities like Grand Rapids, Hibbing, and Virginia, where housing options are often spread out, providing a reliable transit system will expand choices for students and facilitate a more integrated community.
Arrowhead Transit’s commitment to enhancing transportation aligns closely with Minnesota North College’s mission to create more equitable opportunities for all students, regardless of their background or financial situation. “Transportation shouldn’t be a barrier to education or community engagement,” added Nurmi. “By expanding access to public transit, we’re helping students stay connected, both to their campuses and to everything their communities have to offer.”
Get Involved
Students, faculty, and staff at any of the Minnesota North College campuses can now take advantage of these new services. For more information about routes, fares, and to schedule rides, please visit Arrowhead Transit’s website at arrowheadtransit.com, or speak with an advisor on campus for further details.
About Arrowhead Transit
Arrowhead Transit is the largest rural public transportation provider in Minnesota, offering affordable, safe, and accessible services to residents across 10 counties in Northeastern Minnesota. As a division of the Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency, Arrowhead Transit strives to enhance mobility and quality of life for all through innovative transit solutions that connect people to essential services, employment, healthcare, and more.
Helpful Links
Minnesota North Bus Routes
Minnesota North Collaboration Official Press Release
Purchase Tickets