I am certain you have seen the dark gray vans and buses with the red or maroon stripe driving around the area. Not ringing a bell, then how about the large ARROWHEAD TRANSIT printed on the side? Arrowhead Transit has acted as the primary provider of public transportation in the Minnesota Arrowhead Region since 1974.
I will get to the Veteran connection, but I am building anticipation. I know you are all on the edge of your seats, be careful not to fall off.
I have been honored with the opportunity to attend the Lake County Transit Advisory Committee meetings. It is applicable to Veterans, as I receive requests for assistance with transportation, primarily to/from medical appointments. I do not have a transportation program, but I know of a few options. Arrowhead transit, while well established, is a new option to me. From their website:
“Since mid-2009, Disabled Veterans have been able to ride the transit systems throughout the state for free; some Veterans are still unaware of this benefit. It is one more way Arrowhead Transit has chosen to honor Veterans.
Disabled Veterans are able to ride the Arrowhead Transit Busses for free with a valid Veteran’s Identification Card. By presenting this card to bus operators, disabled Veterans can use any fixed-route service in the state. This includes Arrowhead Transit, Metro Transit, and suburban transit providers in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area as well as regular-route services in Duluth, St. Cloud, Rochester, Moorhead, East Grand Forks and Mankato.
The free ride benefit also extends to a personal care attendant assisting a disabled Veteran as they travel.
To qualify for the free rides, disabled Veterans must show a Veterans Identification Card, or VIC issued by a VA Medical Center.
All Arrowhead Transit buses are ADA compliant.”
While routes may be limited, I think this is a tremendous resource available to disabled Veterans. Even if you do not need this service today, it might come in handy down the road. Maybe you have a neighbor that would benefit from a free ride. Regardless, call to ask if they have a route to serve your needs. If they don’t, then it should be documented for future discussions to improve availability of services.
If you’re looking for local Dial-A-Ride service, or for scheduled rides to Duluth, Silver Bay, Little Marais or Tofte, call Arrowhead Transit at 1-800-862-0175 and choose option 7 for Lake County and option 8 for Cook County.
Brad Anderson and Melissa Crandall are the Lake County Veterans Service Officers and can be reached at 218.834.8326 or cvso@co.lake.mn.us
Karen Christianson is the Cook County Veterans Service Officer and can be reached at 218.387.3639, or karen.christianson@co.cook.mn.us
