Arrowhead Transit Wrapped: 2024 Ridership Recap
It’s that time of year again—our Arrowhead Transit Wrapped! As we reflect on 2024, we’re excited to share some highlights from the top ridership counties and celebrate the incredible growth and support we’ve seen across the Arrowhead region.
Top 5 Counties by Ridership
Let’s dive into the numbers and see what made this year so special in each of these communities!
St. Louis County: A 8% Growth
With a total of 161,113 riders, St. Louis County takes the top spot in 2024, with an impressive +8% increase in ridership. This can largely be attributed to the rise in passenger numbers in Hibbing, a key community in St. Louis County. In fact, Hibbing saw a growth of over 15 passengers per hour, proving that consistent service, reliability, and strong community engagement have made a big impact.
Itasca County: A Steady Climb
Itasca County continues its comeback, seeing 99,223 riders (+0.5%) this year. While still down about 33% from pre-pandemic levels, the county has shown steady growth. The combination of ongoing community support and targeted improvements in routes and services are helping Itasca County regain its ridership confidence. We’re excited to see how things continue to climb!
Pine County: A Challenging Year, But We’re Working on It
Pine County saw a slight decline this year, with 59,311 riders (-7%), but that doesn’t mean we’re not optimistic! We’re actively working on studying Pine County communities to enhance dispatch services and route reliability. We’re dedicated to ensuring our Pine County riders have the best possible transit options and are committed to using data to inform improvements.
Isanti County: Election Day Surge
Isanti County (and its twin county, Chisago) saw some interesting trends this year. While ridership dropped slightly by 1% (41,309 riders), Election Day was a game-changer. Arrowhead Transit saw an incredible 300% increase in riders (+18) heading to polling locations in Cambridge on Election Day, all riding for free! This surge shows the power of public transportation during important events like elections. It also reflects the importance of ensuring equitable access to the polls for all citizens.
Chisago County experienced even more dramatic results, with a +900% increase in riders on Election Day. It’s clear that our public transit system plays a vital role in connecting communities and encouraging participation.
Carlton County: Consistently Strong Support
Carlton County continues to stand out with strong support for Arrowhead Transit, maintaining a steady ridership of 48,939 (+9%). The community has consistently rallied behind public transit, advocating for equity and expanding access. Carlton County’s ongoing support highlights the importance of local investment in public transportation, and we’re proud to be a part of this vibrant community.
Looking Ahead
It’s been an amazing year for Arrowhead Transit, and we couldn’t have done it without the continued support of all the communities we serve. As we look to 2025, we’re excited to continue growing our services, expanding access, and improving reliability across the region. Thank you to all our riders and partners who’ve helped make this year so successful.
We’re also working hard to make sure next year is even better, with more routes, more services, and more ways for everyone to connect with the communities we love. Stay tuned for more exciting updates!
If you want to give us feedback or learn more about the upcoming changes, don’t hesitate to reach out through our Contact Form. Thank you for riding with us—here’s to another year of connecting you with the places you love! 🚍💙