Changes to Arrowhead Transit Dial-A-Ride program

For many years the people of Cook County have called their bus driver directly when they needed a ride on the Arrowhead Transit bus. As of Monday, February 9, that will change, but Arrowhead Transit Marketing Coordinator Larry Rodgers reassures riders that the upgrade will enhance the transportation service.

Having riders calling the driver directly required the bus driver to use a cell phone while driving—a practice no longer acceptable for someone providing public transportation, said Rodgers.

To continue the Dial-A-Ride program, Arrowhead Transit is in the process of upgrading its telephone dispatch system. The first part of the upgrade goes into effect on February 9. It involves a centralized system with the telephone number 800-862-0175. Once that number is dialed, people who live in Cook County will need to use option 8 to reach the dispatcher for Cook County.

For the previous four years, ridership in Cook County has been declining on Arrowhead Transit. But in 2014, ridership increased by 9 percent. Driver Mark Quello attributes this increase to new riders discovering how the Dial-A-Ride can meet their transportation needs.

Riders who use the Dial-ARides are encouraged to call at least one hour before they need to be picked up.

Besides Dial-A-Ride, Arrowhead Transit offers a commuter run from Grand Marais to Grand Portage every morning and every afternoon.

Also, on the second Tuesday and the fourth Thursday of the month, Arrowhead Transit goes to Duluth. This bus takes people shopping, to their medical appointments, and to the Jefferson Lines bus depot and the Duluth airport.

Riders who use the bus to get to Duluth and Grand Portage are required to call by noon the day before. To make the trip to Duluth, Arrowhead Transit must have five passengers. If a bus does not run because of fewer than five riders, Arrowhead Transit’s dispatchers will call by 1 p.m. the day before to let those who have made reservations know that the bus will not be running.

To encourage a minimum of five riders, Arrowhead Transit offers a special deal—free transportation to Duluth to anyone who calls in reservations for four other riders.