Community Transit FAQs

Public Transit in rural Southwest Minnesota is unique and can be confusing for new riders.

Here are the answers to some of the questions we hear most often.

Who can ride Community Transit?

Absolutely anyone can get a ride with us!

How do I get a ride?

Community Transit offers primarily dial-a-ride services. To schedule a ride simply call the dispatch office closest to you and speak with a dispatcher.

Jackson Office: 507-847-2632 ext. 1
Luverne Office: 507-283-5058

Marshall Office: 507-537-7628 ext. 3
Pipestone Office: 507-825-1180

In addition to dial-a-ride, we also have to routes which operate within the cities of Marshall and Redwood Falls. No calling is needed to ride a route. Simply be at a designated bus stop before the departure time listed on the route schedules.

Marshall Red Route (PDF) Marshall Blue Route (PDF) Redwood Falls Green Route (PDF)

How far in advance can I book a ride?

You may book a ride as far in advance as you would like. Any trip received 24 hours or more in advance is considered pre-booked, and helps us to shape the bus schedules. We welcome same-day or short-notice trips as well. These trips will be accommodated as close to the requested pick-up time as our schedules allow.

Do you have some tips for pre-scheduling rides?

Yes.

Pre-book your rides at least 24 hours in advance whenever possible.
Requests are scheduled on a first-call, first-served basis.
If you are unable to make your scheduled pick-up time, you must call to cancel your trip.
We collect for no-shows and riders cancelling at the door.
Please be ready to board the bus prior to your scheduled pick up time, and board the bus when it arrives. Drivers will not wait more than 3 minutes past your scheduled pick-up time.
If you need help carrying packages or assistance getting where you need to be once you leave the bus or volunteer vehicle, please make your own arrangements for this.
An escort or personal care attendant can be added to your trip free of charge.

Why do I sometimes have to wait for my ride or adjust my pick-up time?

There are a few reasons this may happen. We’re working your trip into an existing schedule. Community Transit buses start each day with a manifest which includes all trips that were booked prior to the end of the previous business day. Buses and drivers are scheduled accordingly. Any requests received after the bus schedules are finalized are fit into these schedules as close to the requested time as possible.

Something unexpected has caused the bus to run late. Community Transit’s maximum wait time is 3 minutes past the scheduled pick-up time. If one or more passengers before you come out at the last minute, the bus may run late.
Weather and traffic accidents can also cause a slowdown in our schedules.
If a driver calls in sick, we may have to move trips onto different buses until a replacement driver can be found. This could mean the time you were given needs to be adjusted.
We’re trying to coordinate and get more people the rides they need. As a public transit, shared-ride system, we always work to keep our buses efficient. If two passengers need to travel to the same area at about the same time, we may contact the passengers to give them a pick-up time that allows us to get both passengers on the same bus. This allows us to serve as many people as possible.

Can Community Transit take me to out-of-town locations?

Yes. Community Transit has lift-accessible bus service throughout Southwest Minnesota. If your trip can be fit into our schedules, we can take you places throughout our service area by bus.If your request cannot be accommodated by bus, and you do not require the use of a wheelchair lift, we may be able to set you up with a volunteer driver. If Community Transit does not have a service to meet your needs, we will do our best to help you find someone who does. Contact our Access Coordinator for help.

How much will my ride cost?

The cost of each ride is figured at the time of booking based on the individual trip. Call one of our dispatch offices and speak with a dispatcher for a fare quote or click the links below to see basic fare rates.

Bus Rates Volunteer Rates

Are there other transportation options available in Southwest Minnesota?

Yes, there are many resources in the region. Some of these resources can be accessed through our Partners Page. If you don’t find what you are looking for, contact our Mobility Administrator.