Access Press, Volume 14, Issue 5, May 10, 2003. Article

Wadena County Transit Service

Wadena County residents now have a new way to get to the grocery store, the bank or the doctor's office: the county's new "Friendly Rider" public transit service. County transit officials started limited service and other inaugural events, including ribbon cutting ceremonies and an open house, on April 17. On May 3, the county's new system of full-scale, dial-a-ride operation started providing transit service seven days a week.

By offering transit service, Wadena County becomes the 67^th county in Minnesota to provide rural bus service for its residents. The service means that people living in communities such as Wadena, Menagah and Verndale--who can't or choose not to drive--will gain the independence and mobility to meet their personal needs and participate more fully in community life.

Impetus for the new service stems from a cooperative effort by city and county officials, community organizations, area businesses and individuals, and the Minnesota Department of Transportation's district transit coordinator in Brainerd. Working together, they determined service levels, raised funds, purchased equipment--including three new, lift-equipped buses--and planned transit operations to meet county residents' growing mobility needs.

Funding comes from Mn/DOT grants for equipment and operating expenses--and local matching funds from the county--farebox revenues and donations from area businesses, clinics and individuals.

Lt. Gov. Carol Molnau, who also serves as transportation commissioner, said efforts such as Wadena County's show how local initiatives and state resources can combine to create effective, cost-efficient programs.

"I recognize the value of transit's ability to improve the lives of people in Minnesota's rural areas," she said, "and Mn/DOT supports initiatives by local communities to meet the growing transportation needs of their citizens."

Return to top of page