HIBBING—Officials from Arrowhead Transit are looking for community input after it was announced last week that they will soon be coordinating public transportation in Hibbing.
According to a recent news release, Arrowhead Transit will be providing the Hibbing Area Transit services starting on Aug. 1.
This marks a significant milestone for both the company and the community, officials say.
“It is no secret that city leaders and staff endured significant procurement and supply chain issues in operating Hibbing Area Transit during and post the pandemic,” said Mayor Pete Hyduke of the city-run service. “We have jumped a lot of hoops, done our due diligence and exhausted all of our options.”
No bids were received for a third-party operator through two RFP processes within the past year.
“We are thankful to those who have helped us offer uninterrupted services and look forward to passing the baton to Arrowhead Transit come Aug. 1,” Hyduke added. “We are confident they will take good care of our community members and their transportation needs.”
Currently, Hibbing Area Transit makes regular stops Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Walmart, Super One, and the public library, with the 5 p.m. pickup bringing passengers to their final destination. Saturdays are 9 a.m. to 4:30 pm with the 4 p.m. pickup bringing passengers to their final destinations.
There are currently no service on Sundays.
There are various passes and fees for the rides.
According to officials from Arrowhead Transit, due to regulations put in place by the MNDOT, up until now “Arrowhead Transit is unable to provide direct Hibbing to Hibbing services. With Hibbing Area Transit, this is considered a duplication of services, and MNDOT will not fund it. However, circumstances have changed, and Hibbing Area Transit services will be taken over by Arrowhead Transit creating a more seamless travel option for the citizens on the Mesabi Iron Range and in Northeastern Minnesota.”
Arrowhead transit officials say “Hibbing presents an exciting opportunity for Arrowhead Transit to expand its services and further connect the Iron Range communities to vital healthcare, employment, and housing in the region.”
The press release goes on to say: “Arrowhead Transit aims to foster a smooth transition and build strong connections with the Hibbing community. Arrowhead Transit is committed to developing efficient, high-achieving routes that meet the diverse needs of all consumers—whether they are current users or individuals looking to switch to public transportation.”
“We are incredibly excited to bring Arrowhead Transit to Hibbing,” said Sandra Wheelecor, Assistant Director of Operations at Arrowhead Transit. “Our team is dedicated to working closely with the community to create a public transportation system that is both reliable and responsive to the needs of Hibbing’s residents.”
As part of the transition, Arrowhead Transit is looking for Hibbing residents to comment on current bus stops, businesses to target, and needs from you.
“We believe that the best way to serve Hibbing is by listening to its residents,” added Wheelecor. “We encourage everyone to join us and be a part of shaping the future of public transportation in Hibbing.”
“Arrowhead is the largest public transit agency in the state and second in the nation. They know this business,” said Hyduke. “We welcome them to Hibbing and look forward to supporting their efforts in offering uninterrupted, convenient transit services for our residents and visitors.”
For more information about Arrowhead Transit and the “Hello Hibbing” campaign, please visit arrowheadtransit.com/popular-destinations/cities/hibbing/ or follow us on social media @ArrowheadTransit.
To comment on transportation needs, see arrowheadtransit.com/contact/ or you can call Arrowhead Transti directly at 1-800-862-0175.
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