Mora, MN – Arrowhead Transit had the honor of participating in the fourth listening session hosted by Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) in Mora, Minnesota, focusing on rural transportation challenges. Senator Smith is dedicated to addressing the needs of rural transportation systems across the United States, with a special emphasis on Minnesota, her home state. The event, hosted by the East Central Regional Development Commission (ECRDC), brought together transportation professionals and community leaders from five counties: Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, and Pine—three of which are served by Arrowhead Transit.
Representing Arrowhead Transit at the session was Director Brandon Nurmi, who also serves on the Minnesota Public Transit Association (MPTA) Board. As an active participant in rural transit discussions, Nurmi provided valuable insights into the challenges faced by rural public transportation providers and underscored the importance of collaboration with local, state, and federal officials.
Key topics discussed during the session included:
- Aging Population & Volunteer Medical Rides: The need for volunteer medical ride drivers in Minnesota, especially as the state’s population ages, was a significant focus. Rural areas struggle to meet the growing demand for medical transportation, and volunteer drivers are a vital resource.
- CDL Driver Shortage: The issue of attracting and retaining Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) drivers was raised. While Arrowhead Transit has the capacity to administer its own CDL testing, many rural transit systems face challenges because they lack the resources for third-party testing. Minnesota’s CDL testing requirements are adding an additional layer of difficulty, as the positions require specific qualifications and a career commitment. DRIVE WITH US!
- Procurement Process in Rural Transit: The procurement process for rural transit in America, including Arrowhead Transit, follows the same regulations as New York’s metro transit system. This means that small rural systems are held to the same high standards as large metro systems, creating additional challenges in securing affordable vehicles and services. These regulations require extensive documentation and compliance with federal, state, and local requirements, which adds a layer of complexity for rural transit providers trying to meet the transportation needs of their communities.
- Hybrid Fleet & Vehicle Age: The procurement of hybrid vehicles—a mix between buses and non-CDL required vans—was discussed as a potential solution for reducing operational costs while improving efficiency. However, rural systems are also grappling with an aging fleet. Most vehicles in greater Minnesota have surpassed their useful life, a situation exacerbated by supply chain issues and rising vehicle costs. Pre-COVID buses that once cost around $85,000 are now priced at $140,000. Additionally, federal regulations mandate that a certain percentage of bus components be American-made, with FORD being the only current manufacturer of these specialized vehicles. Safety recalls and quality control issues, such as paint problems, have also been widespread, adding to the financial strain.
The listening session provided a platform for rural transit systems to voice their concerns, and Arrowhead Transit was proud to be a part of the conversation. The discussions will help guide future policy and funding decisions aimed at improving public transportation in rural Minnesota.