FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, May 4, 2026

Arrowhead Transit Launches New Rider App and Transit Technology Across 10-County Rural System

Public celebration and ribbon cutting set for May 4 in Hibbing; new system expands access to transportation across northeastern Minnesota

HIBBING, Minn., May 4, 2026 -- Arrowhead Transit is officially launching its new rider app and transit management software system today, marking a significant shift in how northeastern Minnesota's public transportation network schedules trips, communicates with drivers, and serves riders across a region that covers more than 20,000 square miles. A public celebration and ribbon cutting was held this morning at the Arrowhead Transit facility in Hibbing.

Arrowhead Transit serves ten counties, providing more than 500,000 rides annually with a fleet of more than 120 vehicles and a workforce of more than 150 staff, including union employees and professional positions. It is the largest rural public transit system in Minnesota and one of the largest in the United States.

The new Arrowhead Transit app, available on the App Store and Google Play, allows riders to book trips from their phone, schedule rides in advance, track their bus in real time, and receive trip notifications and updates. Riders who prefer the phone can still schedule by calling 1-800- 862-0175. More information and app download links are available at arrowheadtransit.com/app.

The app is powered through Arrowhead Transit's partnership with The Routing Company and the Pingo platform, which also supports the agency's internal scheduling and dispatch operations.

On the operations side, the new system gives dispatchers and drivers better tools for scheduling and routing, improves communication across the network, and helps the agency collect more detailed data on how riders move through the region. That data will be used to report service information to MnDOT and to guide future decisions about routes, timing, and coverage based on real travel patterns.

“This is about improving how people access transportation in rural communities and making our system easier to use in everyday life. We serve a large region, and we know transportation is not optional for many of our riders. It is how people get to work, appointments, school, and stay connected to their communities.” -- Brandon Nurmi, Director, Arrowhead Transit
 

Rural transit operates differently than metro transit. Urban systems are often built around fixed routes and high-density corridors. Rural transit has to be built around people, distance, and access -- matching service to communities spread across hundreds of miles, where a missed ride can mean a missed appointment or a lost shift. Arrowhead Transit's new system is designed to help the agency do that more effectively, making service more responsive to how riders actually use it.

“When operations run smoother, our riders feel it. This system gives our dispatchers and drivers better tools, helps us schedule more efficiently, and creates a better experience for the people who depend on us.” -- Sandra Wheelecor, Operations, Arrowhead Transit

Most rural transit systems in the United States are still working through how this type of technology fits their operations. Arrowhead Transit is implementing it across its full ten-county service region, not piloting it in a limited area. Agency officials say the goal is to make the system more responsive over time, not just more efficient in the short term.

“Through this project, we kept coming back to the same question: how do we make this easier for the people who use our service? This system gives us the ability to keep learning, see what is working, and continue making improvements over time.” -- Colette Hanson, Project Lead, Arrowhead Transit

“For many Minnesotans, rural transit is their only option to getting to medical appointments, grocery shopping, or just getting around to the most important parts of their lives. This new system is a groundbreaking step that will reduce barriers and modernize the rural transit experience for many members of our community. I applaud the work of Arrowhead Transit for making this a reality, and in helping more members of our community have access to safe, reliable, and modern transportation options that will improve their lives.” -- Senator Grant Hauschild (District 3, DFL, MN)

“I'm sorry I couldn't be here today but appreciate the opportunity to share a few words. I'm very excited about this app launch for Arrowhead Transit and the improvement of access to reliable transportation in our rural communities. In an already digital world, having access to view ride times and routes, and receive real-time updates, this is another way to make public transit easier for everyday needs, whether that be to work, school, appointments, etc. Congratulations to everyone involved in a successful launch event and to those who utilize Arrowhead Transit for your public transportation needs.” -- Rep. Spencer Igo (District 07A, MN)

“CTAA members across the nation are always looking to serve more people more efficiently throughout their communities. We congratulate long-time member Arrowhead Transit on launching its new app and technology to better serve its 10-county region in Northeastern Minnesota.” -- Scott Bogren, Executive Director, Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA)

A public celebration marking the launch will be held today from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Arrowhead Transit Hibbing facility, located at 1329 E 31st St, Hibbing, MN 55746. A ribbon cutting is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Local officials and community partners will be in attendance. Light refreshments will be provided. Rides to the event are free on existing Arrowhead Transit routes. The public is welcome. The Arrowhead Transit app is available for download on the App Store and Google Play. Riders can find download links and more information at arrowheadtransit.com/app.

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About Arrowhead Transit
Founded in 1974, Arrowhead Transit is the public transportation provider for northeastern Minnesota and is operated by the Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency. Arrowhead Transit serves ten counties across more than 20,000 square miles, providing scheduled routes, Dial-ARide service, and other transportation options that connect people to work, healthcare, education, and daily life. Arrowhead Transit is the largest rural public transit system in Minnesota and one of the largest in the United States.

Media Contact
Dominick Olivanti
Communications Manager, Arrowhead Transit
dominick.olivanti@arrowheadtransit.com
218-735-6815