Getting There Smarter: Arrowhead Transit for Your Student Commute
College life is busy. Between early morning classes, study sessions, part-time jobs, and campus events, there’s already enough to juggle. Transportation shouldn’t be one more thing to stress about.
Whether you’re a student commuter trying to save on gas or a faculty member commuting from a neighboring town, our services are designed to help you get where you need to go, safely, affordably, and on time. Our flexible, reliable transportation options are here to support students, faculty, and staff with a smarter way to travel.
Why do Student Commuters Choose Arrowhead Transit?
Owning and maintaining a car isn’t cheap. From gas and insurance to repairs and parking passes, the costs add up fast. Add the unpredictability of Minnesota weather and the challenge of finding a decent parking spot during peak class times, and suddenly driving doesn’t feel quite so convenient anymore.
Public transportation, especially in rural and regional communities like ours, offers a practical, cost-effective solution that’s good for your wallet and the environment.
Here are the top five reasons why Arrowhead Transit is a smart choice for your student commute:
1. Save Money
Arrowhead transit offers a budget-friendly alternative to car ownership or frequent Uber/Lyft rides. You’ll save money on gas, car maintenance, and parking permits. That’s money you can put toward books, meals, or student loan payments.
2. Reduce Stress
Skip the hassle of driving in snowstorms or circling the parking lot before class. With Arrowhead Transit, you can relax on your way to campus, catch up on reading, or just enjoy a moment of calm before a long day of lectures.
3. Environmentally Friendly
Every bus ride means fewer single-occupancy vehicles on the road. Choosing transit helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contributes to a cleaner, healthier environment, a cause many students and campuses are already passionate about.
4. Stay Connected
Not all students live near campus. Many commute from nearby towns, live at home, or split time between work and school. Arrowhead Transit helps bridge those distances, making it easier to attend class, meet with professors, or participate in student activities.
5. Study on the Go
Time is tight during the semester and every minute counts. Riding the bus gives you a chance to review notes, finish a reading assignment, or get ahead on a project without having to worry about the road. It’s a productive start (or finish) to your school day.
What Kind Of Bus Passes Are There For Students?
Arrowhead Transit offers flexible transportation options tailored to meet the diverse needs of the college community. Whether you’re a student commuter from a neighboring town or need a ride across campus, we’ve got you covered.
Dial-A-Ride
Our Dial-A-Ride option is perfect for local travel within the same community. It’s like a personalized public bus service. You just call ahead to schedule your ride, and we’ll pick you up at the curb.
This is a great option for students who live off-campus, need transportation for grocery runs, study groups, or appointments, or simply want a more convenient way to get around town without relying on friends or rideshare apps.
Commuter Routes
A Commuter Route is a standard distance route between any two communities that Arrowhead Transit serves. Regularly scheduled and dependable, Commuter Routes are perfect for students with structured class schedules or employees with consistent work hours. Some popular examples are Grand Marais to Duluth and Cambridge to North Branch.
Need to travel from one campus to another or commute from home to class? Our commuter routes are designed to help faculty, staff, and students make longer-distance trips between communities and campuses.
Supporting Student Commutes Across All Minnesota North Campuses
At Arrowhead Transit, we’re more than just a bus company. We’re committed to being a true partner in education, and we understand that reliable transportation is critical to student success. Missing class because of car trouble or unreliable rides shouldn’t hold you back. That’s why we’ve worked hard to ensure our routes and services meet the real needs of student commuters.
Arrowhead Transit is proud to partner with Minnesota North College to serve all six campuses: Hibbing, Itasca, Mesabi Range – Virginia and Eveleth, Rainy River, and Vermilion. We’re always looking for ways to improve, expand access, and make sure no one is left behind because of transportation barriers. Check out our list of college campus locations to see route information.
Bus passes for Minnesota North College students can be picked up with your advisor or counselor. Learn more at the AspireNorth office.
How to Get Started
It’s easy to hop on board! Using one of our commuter routes or Dial-A-Ride is easy. Just call 1-800-862-0175, and our friendly dispatchers will walk you through the process. They’ll ask for your location, your campus destination, and the time you need to arrive, then help you schedule a ride that fits your class schedule.
And if you’re new to public transit, don’t worry. We offer free Travel Training to help you feel confident using our services. Whether you need help figuring out routes or just want a walkthrough of how Dial-A-Ride works, our team is here to support you every step of the way.
Let’s Keep You Moving
Whether you’re heading to class, commuting to work, or meeting up with classmates to collaborate on a group project, Arrowhead Transit is here to help you get there safely, affordably, and on time.
As a student, you’ve got enough on your plate. Let us take care of the transportation so you can focus on what matters most: your education, your work, and your future.
Visit arrowheadtransit.com or call 1-800-862-0175 to get started.