Here in Northeastern Minnesota, winter isn’t just a season, it’s a way of life. When the snow starts to fall and the temps dip below zero, most people bundle up, warm their cars, and brace for icy commutes. But if you ride with Arrowhead Transit, your winter travel can look a little different and a lot less stressful.
At Arrowhead Transit we’re no strangers to snowy sidewalks, snowbanks, and slow-moving traffic. In fact, we’re built for it. Our team works hard to keep buses running reliably all winter long, so you can get to work, appointments, or the grocery store, even when the weather isn’t cooperating.
Get Festive Without the Fuss: Take the Bus
Holiday errands and events don’t have to come with winter driving stress or parking headaches. Whether you’re heading out for gift shopping, catching a concert, enjoying a community tree lighting, or meeting up with friends at your favorite café, Arrowhead Transit makes it easy to get there safely and affordably.
We often offer transportation options to special events like the Festival of Trees, helping you stay connected to the magic of the season. Our Dial-A-Ride and scheduled services span ten counties in Northeastern Minnesota, making it possible to enjoy more of what your town has to offer, all while leaving the icy roads to someone else.
Public transit is also a great option for seniors and others who want to stay active and social during the winter months. Skip the icy sidewalks and busy parking lots. Instead, ride in comfort while supporting a more connected, accessible community.
Tips For Riding the Bus in Winter
With a little preparation and a few smart habits, you can stay warm, safe, and on schedule all season long. Arrowhead Transit operates throughout the winter, keeping communities connected across our ten-county region, no matter the weather.
From dressing in layers to planning your trip ahead of time, a few simple steps can make your cold-weather commute smooth and stress-free. Here’s how to make the most of your bus ride when the snow starts to fall.
Dress Smart and Stay Warm
If you’ve ever waited for a bus while the wind howls off Lake Superior, you know how important it is to dress for the weather. We recommend layering up, think warm boots, a good winter coat, gloves, and something reflective to help you stay visible during early mornings and snowy afternoons. The goal is to be comfortable while you wait, even if there’s a short delay.
Planning Pays Off
While we do our best to stay on time, icy roads and changing conditions can lead to delays. It helps to check your route in advance at arrowheadtransit.com, or give us a call at 1-800-862-0175 if you have questions. Letting us know in advance if you’re bringing a bike or need accommodations can help us serve you better.
We also encourage riders to leave a little extra cushion in their schedules just in case. In winter, even a few minutes can make a big difference.
Safety Starts at the Stop
Winter can make bus stops harder to navigate. If your regular stop is snowed in or blocked by a snowbank, please don’t stand in the street. Instead, wait at a nearby cleared driveway or sidewalk. Our drivers are trained to watch for you in those safe zones.
When your bus arrives, wait until it’s come to a full stop before approaching. Icy roads can make braking less predictable, so it’s always better to be cautious. And when boarding, use the handrails and watch your step.
Service You Can Count On
Even in the heart of winter, Arrowhead Transit is committed to keeping you moving. Our drivers are experienced with rural roads and winter hazards, and we’ve built contingency plans to respond to whatever Mother Nature throws our way.
That said, we do observe a few key winter holidays: there is no bus service on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or New Year’s Day. We appreciate your understanding and encourage you to plan accordingly.
A New Era of Winter Transit
Thanks to our exciting new partnership with The Routing Company (TRC), we’re expanding on-demand and scheduled service across the region. Their Pingo™ platform brings real-time ride booking and optimized routing to even the most remote parts of our service area so soon, getting a ride in winter will be easier and more efficient than ever.
No matter the season, Arrowhead Transit is here to help you get where you’re going: warm, safe, and on time.