Service Overview
What is Trailblazer?
Trailblazer Transit is a general public transportation system that serves Sibley and McLeod Counties. A Dial-A-Ride bus service and a volunteer driver program both operate under the Trailblazer name. Up to nine elevator-equipped buses driven by paid, professional drivers currently serve the two counties. Approximately twenty-five volunteer drivers use their own vehicles to support the buses while they are in operation and to transport customers who need to travel outside the counties.
What is Dial-A-Ride Service?
Dial-A-Ride bus service is similar to taxi service in that customers are picked up and dropped off at user-defined locations. However, there are some distinct differences. Unlike typical taxi fares, bus fares are fixed and determined in advance. In addition, taxi service is exclusive to one customer or group at a time, whereas Trailblazer bus riders should expect to share the bus with other customers. Furthermore, bus customers are encouraged to schedule their rides in advance, unlike a taxi service that is designed to accommodate immediate ride requests.
Who Can Use Trailblazer and for What Purpose?
Trailblazer is designed to serve the general public, meaning that almost anyone can use both the bus system and the volunteer driver program for almost any reason. There are no qualifications or requirements to access Trailblazer services, but there are some policies that may restrict use. Children, youth, adults and seniors alike use Trailblazer to get to work, school, day care, recreational activities and social events. Some common destinations include medical facilities, restaurants, banks, drug and grocery stores, beauty salons, barbers, and government office. However, Trailblazer does not provide transportation for medical emergencies.
When Does Trailblazer Operate?
The buses operate Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Volunteer drivers may transport people anytime including early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
How Do You Get a Ride?
Customers may call one of two dispatch centers to schedule rides. Generally, Sibley County residents call the Gaylord office at 1-888-743-3828, and McLeod County residents call the Hutchinson office at 1-877-743-3828. Both numbers are toll-free. A dispatcher will ask the customer or caretaker a series of questions to facilitate the scheduling process. Bus rides may be scheduled up to one week in advance, and volunteer drivers may be scheduled up to one month in advance. Same day ride requests may be accommodated, but it is best to make reservations at least 24 hours in advance or as early as possible. It is recommended that volunteer driver rides be scheduled one week in advance, or five business days. Unlike bus rides that are scheduled at both dispatch centers, volunteer driver rides for both counties are scheduled only out of the Gaylord office.
How Much Does It Cost and How Do You Pay?
The bus fares listed below are for a one-way ride for one individual. Please see the Fare Structure Handout for a more detailed explanation and a list of special promotions. Bus fares may be paid when boarding the bus with cash, checks, or tokens, or the bus fares may be billed.
- Within City Limits $1.50
- Rides less than 25 miles $3.00
- Rides 25 miles or more $6.00
The charge for a volunteer driver is based on round-trip mileage from the driver�s home or starting point. The cost is 44.5 cents per mile plus parking expenses and meal reimbursements, which may not exceed $7.50 per meal for every four hours the driver volunteers. Unlike the bus system, the fares for volunteer drivers are divided by the total number of people that ride together on each trip. Since all volunteer driver rides are billed, customers only need to carry enough money to pay for their own meal expenses, should the volunteer need to stop and eat.
Organization Overview
In 1999, numerous government entities and local organizations worked together to create the transit system. This was accomplished by merging four previously existing transit systems together, one of which was more than 20 years old. The process took years to complete with the last portion being merged into the system in 2001. Although the program is marketed under the name Trailblazer Transit, the organization is legally named the Trailblazer Joint Powers Board, which is a government entity subsidized by state, federal, and local government dollars.
The Trailblazer Joint Powers Board currently consists of three McLeod County commissioners and two Sibley County commissioners who are appointed by their respective counties to serve on the Trailblazer Board. Therefore, the transit system is affiliated with Sibley and McLeod Counties, but Trailblazer is a self-governing organization and operates independently of the counties.
The role of the Board is to establish policy and to make planning decisions pertaining to the general direction of the organization. The Director is responsible for the overall management of the transit system and establishes operational procedures to accomplish the program's mission. To assist in this effort, the Lead Driver and Lead Dispatcher directly supervise the staff and are responsible for the quality control of the daily operations. Transit Dispatchers control and direct the resources of the organization, particularly drivers and vehicles. Transit Drivers are the most visible employees, not only providing the critical role of transporting people, but also providing the customer service necessary to ensure the satisfaction of our customers.
Trailblazer currently utilizes the following three facilities:
- an office with attached garage in Gaylord
- an office in Hutchinson
- a standalone garage in Hutchinson
- Trailblazers goal is to build a new facility in Hutchinson to house the existing Hutchinson operations under one roof.
- Office hours are from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. at both locations.
Trailblazer Joint Powers Board Organizational Structure
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