When Arrowhead Transit officially became Hibbing’s public transit provider in August 2024, our goal was to stabilize, improve, and grow the Dial-A-Ride system in a way that truly met the community’s needs.
Now, one year into service, we’ve compiled a full-year report for the Hibbing City Council—and we’d like to share that same information with you.
Service Growth & Measurable Progress
Since taking over operations, we’ve more than doubled the city’s monthly average ridership—from approximately 1,362 riders per month in early 2024 to over 3,100 riders per month as of June 2025. This includes consistent usage from adults, as well as steady growth among elderly, disabled, and non-ambulatory riders.
New classification-based reporting allows us to understand who we’re serving and where more work is needed. We’ve introduced Saturday and Sunday service, launched a fare structure that balances affordability with sustainability, and ensured that no ridership was lost during the ticket exchange period.
Equity, Access, and Community Awareness
We’re actively working to expand service access to groups that face transportation barriers. A recent Arrowhead Transit survey of students at MN North-Hibbing showed that:
- 63% do not own a vehicle
- 63% receive Pell Grants
- 38% rely on public transit
- 25% are first-generation college students
These indicators matter. They show us that our public transit system isn’t just a convenience—it’s a lifeline.
We’ve also heard from passengers across Hibbing who are grateful for longer service hours, consistent scheduling, and improved response times. Looking ahead, we’re working toward the October 2025 launch of our online scheduling system, with a rider app expected by early 2026.
Read the Full Report
Our full August 2025 report is now available to view. It includes detailed data, rider classification breakdowns, efficiency metrics, and questions the City of Hibbing asked us to answer transparently. You can read the full PDF here: