Arrowhead Transit celebrates 50th anniversary

North Shore residents are likely familiar with the black Arrowhead Transit busses that provide transportation to people living across nearly a dozen counties in Northern Minnesota. This year marks the company’s 50th anniversary, and Arrowhead Transit’s Marketing and Public Relations Coordinator Dominick Olivanti spoke with WTIP about the history of the company and the vision for the future of the service.

Olivanti explained that Arrowhead Transit has its roots in efforts by President Lyndon B. Johnson to combat poverty. Johnson declared a “War on Poverty,” which included the Economic Opportunity Act in 1964. The Act targeted improving services for seniors, especially those living in rural areas. Olivanti said that over the past 50 years, the range of services has expanded, but that Arrowhead Transit still aims to connect anyone living in their service range.

According to Olivanti, Arrowhead Transit has expanded their service area over the years, and now has about 600,000 riders, annually. The company has about 127 buses, and Olivanti said that Arrowhead Transit is working to expand the number of electric buses on their routes. He estimates that by 2040 they could have a completely electric fleet.

The company is planning a series of events to celebrate their anniversary. The details for all of the events can be found on the company website.

WTIP’s CJ Heithoff spoke with Arrowhead Transit’s Marketing and Public Relations Coordinator Dominick Olivanti about the company’s anniversary. Pull audio can be found below.

Kirsten Wisniewski March 8, 2024