New to Arrowhead Transit? Using our services is super easy! We are a Dial-A-Ride type of public bus service. That means you simply need to call our dispatch to arrange for your ride: 800-862- 0175.
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) below. If you have a question that’s not addressed – please contact us and we’ll get right back to you.
Does Arrowhead Transit provide private bus charter or private bus rental?
No. Arrowhead Transit is a publicly funded 5311 transportation company under the jurisdiction of the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Arrowhead Transit only provides passengers with trips on their current bus routes or Dial-A-Ride lines.
Which days does Arrowhead Transit not have bus service?
All system buses do not run on the following 10 days in observance of their respective holiday.
January: New Years Day
March/April: Good Friday
May: Memorial Day
June: Juneteenth
July: Independence Day
September: Labor Day
November: Thanksgiving Day / Friday after Thanksgiving
December: Christmas Eve Day / Christmas Day
Do Personal Care Attendants ride for free?
Under Department of Transportation (DOT) Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations at 49 C.F.R. Section 37.131(c)(3), a personal care attendant (PCA) may not be charged a fare for complementary paratransit service. Under 49 C.F.R. Section 37.123(f)(1)(ii), a companion (i.e., friend or family member) does not count as a PCA unless the companion is actually acting in the capacity of PCA. PCAs may be charged a fare on fixed route.
Do Disabled Veterans ride for free?
Yes! Since mid-2009, Disabled Veterans have been able to ride the transit systems throughout the state for free; some Veterans are still unaware of this benefit. It is one more way Arrowhead Transit has chosen to honor Veterans.
Disabled Veterans are able to ride the Arrowhead Transit Busses for free with a valid Veteran’s Identification Card. By presenting this card to bus operators, disabled Veterans can use any fixed-route service in the state. This includes Arrowhead Transit, Metro Transit, and suburban transit providers in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area as well as regular-route services in Duluth, St. Cloud, Rochester, Moorhead, East Grand Forks and Mankato.
The free ride benefit also extends to a personal care attendant assisting a disabled Veteran as they travel.
To qualify for the free rides, disabled Veterans must show a Veterans Identification Card, or VIC issued by a VA Medical Center.
All Arrowhead Transit buses are ADA compliant.
For more information on the on how to obtain a Veterans Identification Card call 612-467-1991 or visit the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs website.
How old do you have to be to ride our bus unaccompanied?
Our current policy states that “Persons ages 12 years or older can ride an Arrowhead Transit bus without a parent/guardian/or adult present.”
Who can ride the bus?
Arrowhead Transit is a public transportation system for everyone living in our 10 Rural Minnesota county service zone. Our public transit services can accommodate many transportation needs, including getting to and from work, appointments and shopping.
How far in advance do I need to schedule my ride?
- For Dial-A-Ride service, we ask that you call at least ONE HOUR in advance of when you need your ride.
- For all other routes, we ask that you call at least ONE DAY in advance of when you need your ride.
***If you choose, you can set up a ride up to one week in advance.***
***If you do set up a ride in advance, make very sure you call dispatch if you do not need a ride on that day.***
How much does it cost?
Do I have to bring a car seat?
The front two seats in each bus have built in child restraints. Our driver will help you buckle in your child.
Can I bring a bike on the bus?
Yes, but let dispatch know you will be bringing your bike onto the bus.
Is there room for luggage?
Yes, please inform dispatch when you are bringing bulkier items on board.
Can I eat my lunch on the bus?
- Please consume any food prior to boarding the bus.
- Ensure that all personal beverages are in covered or sealed containers.
If I have a complaint, who do I contact?
Please fill out the form found here.