Reflecting on 2025 and Looking Ahead to 2026
At Arrowhead Transit, we believe great rural transit is about building connections that matter. As we wrap up 2025, we’re reflecting on a year of growth, service, and innovation grounded in our mission: to provide affordable, safe, accessible public transportation that supports independent living and self-reliance. And we’re looking ahead with excitement to 2026, as we continue to reduce barriers and make vital connections across our region.
Centering People in Everything We Do
The heart of our work is, and always will be, people. Every route, every new project, and every long-term partnership we’ve built in 2025 has been about improving lives: helping a student get to class, a senior attend a doctor’s appointment, a family enjoy a weekend together, or a worker reach their job reliably.
We saw this mission in action across all ten counties we serve. From Cook to Chisago, our teams stepped up to meet needs with creativity and compassion. And our riders, who trust us to get them where they need to go, reminded us daily why this work matters so much.
2025: A Year of Growth, Innovation, and Recognition
This year brought many milestones that demonstrate how Arrowhead Transit continues to lead in rural public transportation:
Ridership Growth Across the Region
More people than ever are choosing Arrowhead Transit. That kind of growth doesn’t happen by accident, it’s the result of consistent service, local engagement, and a deep commitment to meeting people where they are, both literally and figuratively. Read more: Arrowhead Transit Sees Ridership Growth in Early 2025
Launch of RideSmart 2025
In Chisago and Isanti counties, we introduced RideSmart 2025, a reimagined rural transit system designed around community feedback. The project brought improved route design, accessibility upgrades, and new technology to make public transit more responsive, efficient, and easy to use.
New Partnership with Minnesota North College
We proudly launched a new partnership with Minnesota North College to enhance transportation access for students, staff, and the surrounding communities, a vital rural transit connection to education, jobs, and opportunity.
New and Expanded Routes
Responding directly to local input, we debuted new routes including the Boundary Water Loop. This expanded our coverage area and gave residents and visitors alike a new way to explore the natural beauty of our region and get where they need to go, no car required.
Minnesota Transit System of the Year
At the 2025 Minnesota Public Transit Association (MPTA) Conference, Arrowhead Transit was honored as Transit System of the Year. Assistant Director Colette Hanson also received the Transit Professional of the Year award. These recognitions underscore the dedication of our entire team, from drivers to dispatchers to administrators, who go above and beyond every day to make rural transit accessible.
Statewide Advocacy and Leadership
Arrowhead Transit leaders traveled to Washington, D.C. to advocate for rural transit at the national level. We shared the challenges, and the incredible potential, of communities like ours, ensuring that rural voices are part of the conversation about future infrastructure funding. Read More: Arrowhead Transit Joins Minnesota Delegation in Washington, D.C. to Advocate for Rural Transit
Hosting the State Bus Roadeo
For the first time ever, the Minnesota Statewide Bus Roadeo was hosted on the Iron Range, right here in our region. Held at Minnesota North College – Mesabi Range Campus, the event brought together transit professionals from across the state to celebrate skills, safety, and teamwork.
Project Launched For a Ride Booking App – Coming in 2026
In partnership with The Routing Company (TRC), we started the effort to implement a ride-booking app and optimized routing technology. With over 100 vehicles deployed across 10 counties, riders now have more flexibility, convenience, and real-time information at their fingertips.
What Made It All Possible? Collaboration and Trust.
The key to our success this year was in how we listened to communities, partnered with local leaders, and responded to real-world needs. Riders trust us to show up, and we take that responsibility seriously. Whether we’re adjusting a route, testing a new app, or training the next generation of drivers, our focus stays the same: people first.
Looking Ahead to 2026: People-Centered Transit for a New Year
As we begin 2026, we’re excited to keep growing, but always with purpose. We’ll continue to focus on improving the rider experience because great rural transit is about more than logistics. It’s about dignity, independence, and making sure every journey feels smooth, safe, and connected.
You’ll see more enhancements to our services, more investment in rider-friendly technology, and more local partnerships designed to expand opportunity. Because our vision to reduce barriers while making connections in healthcare, education, employment, and recreation is more than words. It’s our blueprint for what comes next.
From all of us at Arrowhead Transit, thank you for riding with us, trusting us, and believing in the power of rural public transportation. We’re proud of what we accomplished together in 2025 and we can’t wait to see where 2026 takes us.