Northfield Transportation Advisory Committee Meeting Date: April 15, 2026
To: Members of the Northfield Transportation Advisory Committee
From: David Bennett, Public Works Director/City Engineer
Title
Hiawathaland Transit - Expanding/Improving Transit Service in Northfield.
Body
Action Requested:
The Northfield Transportation Advisory Committee receives an update from Hiawathaland Transit related to Expanding/Improving Transit Service in Northfield.
Summary Report:
One of the primary core focus areas of the Northfield Transportation Advisory Committee is to further enhance and improve transit for the community. We have asked Hiawathaland to present to the committee to further elaborate on the following items:
* Shortening trip times on the Red & Blue Routes.
* Demand Study - determine if 3rd Route could be added and does it align with MnDOT funding needs? Gap in demand, understanding of how funding works.
* How does 3rd route function?
* Can a Hospital stop be added?
* More evening service beyond 6 p.m. when Blue and Red route stop service.
* Expanding express route (doesn't run when St. Olaf & Carleton are out).
* Limited amount of goods on bus (storage).
* How does Hiawathaland funding formula work? Why does Northfield pay vs. Dundas Pay, should they pay if stops are added in Dundas?
* Who helps design the routes, Blue, Red, and Express Routes?
* St. Olaf/Carleton - route gap or missing locations.
* Update of payment technology.
* Ridership user breakout.
City Plans & Policies Relevance:
This work is supported by the City's 2045 Comprehensive Plan, Transportation Plan, and Strategic Plan.
The 2045 Comprehensive plans identifies these challenges:
* Community engagement identified a strong unmet need for reliable and effective public transit in Northfield.
* Public transit is provided by Hiawathaland Transit, offering two limited fixed routes, dial-a-ride services, and a weekday regional route to Faribault every two hours.
* Current transit routes a...
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