Arrowhead Transit receives positive feedback for return of North Shore bus service and embraces technological advancements

After the North Shore bus service resumed in July, Arrowhead Transit has received an overwhelmingly positive response from passengers and bus drivers.

Dominick Olivanti, Arrowhead Transit’s marketing and public relations coordinator, said they consistently see “a bunch of smiling faces that join us on the bus every single time.”

The North Shore bus service resumed service on July 11 and provides residents and visitors a ride from Grand Marais to Duluth, with stops in Silver Bay and Two Harbors. The service runs every Tuesday with a 7:40 a.m. departure time from Grand Marais.

Olivanti expressed that Thunder Bay residents have also utilized the service, traveling to Grand Marais to access the bus for their trip to Duluth. “We’re happy to be able to provide that connection from all sorts of individuals in all walks of life.”

In addition to returning the North Shore bus service, Arrowhead Transit welcomed Brandon Nurmi, the new executive director, to the team in Jan. As a transportation provider, Nurmi is focused on transitioning Arrowhead Transit to incorporate a technology-driven approach.

Arrowhead Transit is currently making website updates and working hard to create an app that will increase accessibility and connect directly with customers.

“It’s a really big shift for Arrowhead Transit,” Olivanti said. “But one that Brandon is guiding very, very well, very meticulously.”
Arrowhead Transit has also hired a new transit supervisor and is working to increase the ability of the transit dispatchers so calls are answered quicker and more efficiently.

In their ongoing efforts, Arrowhead Transit is actively working to enhance public engagement and outreach within Grand Marais and along the North Shore. On Nov. 9, at 10 a.m., Arrowhead Transit is hosting a Transit Advisory Committee meeting in Grand Marais. This meeting will adopt an open town hall format, providing an opportunity for the public to “discuss all things transportation” with Arrowhead Transit staff.

WTIP’s Kalli Hawkins spoke with Dominik Olivanti, the marketing and public relations coordinator with Arrowhead Transit, for an update on services and about the upcoming town hall meeting on Nov. 9. Audio from the interview is below.

Kalli Hawkins September 26, 2023