Hiawathaland adds route, unlimited pass

Hiawathaland Transit users in Red Wing will have a new route and a new way to ride starting July 30.

Buses have been getting crowded, so Hiawathaland added a third route in town and some new inbound and outbound stops, transit manager Amy Repinski said.

“This will decrease the amount of time people have to spend on the buses and they will get to their destinations faster,” she said.

Additionally, the new route added to existing ones spreads bus coverage to the bulk of the city.

Hiawathaland also added a new monthly unlimited ride pass that will cost $45. That means if riders take the bus twice a day, such as to and from work, they will save $5 a month versus paying for each ride, Repinski said.

Also, dial-a-ride services will only be available Saturdays in Red Wing.

The new bus route includes stops at Mayo Clinic Health System in Red Wing, Wal-Mart, Twin Bluff and more.

The other routes cover downtown and west Red Wing, from Burnside School area to the high school to Colvill Park. New stops were added along those too.

“Now they don’t have to ride the whole loop,” Repinski said of riders.

In 2011, the service saw its highest ridership at almost 100,000 people, so this will help free up space on the buses while getting the growing number of riders to more destinations throughout the city.

Single rides on Hiawathaland buses in Red Wing are $1.25, a 10-punch route pass is $12.50 and the monthly pass is $45. Drivers do not make change.

Passes can be purchased at City Hall, Public Works, Wal-Mart and First State Bank. Riders also can call 866-623-7505 or visit www.threeriverscap.org for more information.

Service hours are Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dial-a-ride hours on Saturday will be 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tags: red wing, news, travel, social