Statewide Initiatives

Greater Minnesota Transit Plan

The Greater Minnesota Transit Plan 2010-2030 defines the future vision for public transportation across Greater Minnesota and sets forth policies and strategies to meet that vision.

The Greater Minnesota Transit Investment Plan

The Greater Minnesota Transit Investment Plan, developed by MnDOT in 2011, sets priorities for transit investments in scenarios of both expanded and contracted future funding.

Veterans Transportation and Community Living Initiative (VTCLI)

The VTCLI  initiative includes a $1.19 million federal DOT grant for capital costs of communication technology to improve access to transportation service information through the MinnesotaHelp™ Network, Minnesota’s existing One-Call/One-Click Resource Center. The funding is to purchase hardware, software, and related engineering and design (cannot be used to fund vehicle purchases or mobility management operations)

2011 Transit Report: A Guide to Minnesota's Public Transit Systems

The 2011 Transit Report was prepared by the Minnesota Department of Transportation with assistance from the Metropolitan Council. This report is a guide to Minnesota's public transportation network and resources.

Public Transit in District 1

All of District 1’s eight counties have county-wide transit systems. The cities of Duluth and Hibbing have city-operated transit systems. Some of the district's transit needs are met through other programs, including a program to provide transportation services for elderly persons and persons with disabilities, the Job Access Reverse Commute (JARC) program and New Freedom grants that assist individuals with disabilities with transportation, including transportation to and from jobs and employment support services.

Detailed information on District 1’s transit providers can be found at:  http://www.dot.state.mn.us/transit/riders/index.html

Current Initiatives

• JARC funding provides access to jobs for residents of Lake, St. Louis and Itasca counties through Arrowhead Transit and to city of Duluth residents through the Duluth Transit Authority.
• Ongoing capital improvement projects with the Duluth Transit Authority.

Recent Transit System Highlights (Congressional District 8)

Arrowhead Transit         

• Increased ridership by 16.2 percent.
• Received national recognition when Rural Rides was highlighted in CTAA’s brief to the U.S. Department of Labor as one of six successful transportation projects that connected with workforce development.

Duluth Transit Authority – Regular Route

• Surpassed 3 million riders for third consecutive year.
• Surpassed 4 million U-PASS riders at UMD in March 2011.

Duluth Transit Authority - Stride: Continued upward ridership trend with a 2 percent increase in 2010 and an 8 percent increase since 2006.

Hibbing Area Transit: Increased ridership by 9.5 percent and added student ridership program at the community college.