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Wednesday, December 11, 2024
HomeCommunityLOCAL TRANSPORTATION - ARROWHEAD TRANSPORT

LOCAL TRANSPORTATION – ARROWHEAD TRANSPORT

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

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