Arrowhead Transit Partners with Senator Klobuchar’s Office to Address Senior Transportation Needs in Rural Minnesota
Arrowhead Transit, in collaboration with the office of U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (DFL-MN), recently participated in two important meetings aimed at discussing the growing transportation challenges faced by seniors in rural Minnesota. The meetings, which took place in Two Harbors and Grand Rapids, provided a platform to voice concerns, share experiences, and offer solutions to improve transportation access for seniors in the Arrowhead Transit service area.
At both meetings, Arrowhead Transit Director Brandon Nurmi, Assistant Director of Administration Colette Hanson, and Assistant Director of Operations Sandra Wheelecor, alongside Transit Manager Jeff Lindsay, discussed the pressing need for older adult transportation options. One of the major topics raised was the issue of senior isolation due to the lack of accessible public transit in rural areas. In deep rural areas like Lake County, public transit often cannot reach residents, leaving many seniors without transportation to medical appointments, grocery stores, and other essential services.
There is a growing gap in the ability to serve seniors who live in remote areas, which is limiting their independence. Arrowhead Transit is actively working to develop more adaptable and sustainable transit options for these areas, ensuring that no one is left behind due to geography.
Seniors in rural areas are often left with few transportation options. The volunteer driver shortage is becoming a critical issue. Arrowhead Transit, which serves over 21,000 square miles, has experienced a significant drop in volunteer drivers, going from over 300 volunteers to just 48. This decline is compounded by the fact that many of the older volunteers are now in need of the same transportation services they once provided.
Senator Klobuchar’s office has been at the forefront of advocating for solutions to these challenges. In a video played during the meetings, Senator Klobuchar emphasized the importance of addressing the volunteer driver shortage and the need to align IRS reimbursement rates with current market conditions. The current reimbursement rate of just 14 cents per mile for volunteer drivers is far below the actual cost of operating a vehicle, making it difficult for programs like Arrowhead Transit to attract and retain volunteers.
Volunteer drivers are critical to the success of rural transportation, especially for seniors who rely on them for essential trips. There needs to be a more sustainable solution that supports volunteers and ensures that communities’ needs are met.
In addition to the volunteer driver shortage, Arrowhead Transit also highlighted the growing need for more affordable housing in the region. Itasca County, in particular, is facing a housing shortage of over $750 million. Without adequate housing, many seniors are forced to remain in their homes without access to the necessary services and transportation that would allow them to age in place.
Seniors are struggling not only with transportation but with housing as well. As the workforce housing shortage continues, more older adults are being left behind. Improving both transportation and housing for seniors is crucial to ensuring that they can live independently and stay connected to their communities.
The meetings with Senator Klobuchar’s staff provided a unique opportunity to address the issues facing rural senior transportation and highlighted the importance of continued collaboration between local transit agencies, community organizations, and lawmakers. Arrowhead Transit remains committed to advocating for better funding, improved volunteer driver programs, and more flexible transportation options to help seniors remain independent.
Today’s discussions are just the beginning. Arrowhead Transit is grateful for Senator Klobuchar’s continued support and for her efforts to bring attention to the challenges facing rural seniors. Together, we can make sure that rural Minnesota’s seniors aren’t left behind, and that they have the transportation options they need to live full, independent lives.
As the conversation around rural senior transportation continues, Arrowhead Transit will continue to advocate for effective solutions and work with local and state officials to ensure that all seniors, regardless of where they live, have access to the services they need.