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DECEMBER 13, 2000

Just in time for the Christmas season, the Red Lake Band of Chippewa has launched the first tribally-owned public transit system in the state of Minnesota.

The new handicapped-accessible system will be open to the public, but is primarily focused on bringing tribal members to jobs, schools, shopping, and health care facilities. Located 35 miles north of Bemidji, the service will help many of the reservation's 8,000 residents travel there for a reasonable price.

The tribe is starting out with a fixed route from the reservation to points in Bemidji. Mike Ness, the tribe's transit administrator, says this route will help the tribe assess rider usage.

"There has been a need for Red Lake residents to travel to Bemidji for shopping. By starting immediately, we will be able to assess how great the need is for travel," said Ness.

The tribe is also experimenting with a call-in service, seeking to implement a regular dial-a-ride program by next year.

"Our future bus service will be based on the needs of the riders," said Ness.

The Red Lake Transit system is funded by the tribe and the Federal Transit Administration through the Minnesota Department of Transportation.