Public transportation is returning to at least one part of the Northwoods, thanks to Lac du Flambeau.
The tribe is partnering with the Menominee Nation to provide transportation between several stops in Lac du Flambeau and the Minocqua-Woodruff area. Lac du Flambeau spokesman Brandon Thoms says it will be the only public transit available in the area.
“Poverty is one thing that we deal with here on the reservation. And many times people don’t have reliable or affordable transportation. And that’s a barrier to not only people in Lac du Flambeau but the entire Lakeland area.”
The service is open to the public. Shuttles will run 5 am to 8 pm Monday through Friday. It costs $2.50 per ride, and half that much for seniors over age 55.
There will also be an on-demand service that will provide door-to door trips within the 2 mile central area of the reservation. Those rides are only 75-cents and a quarter for seniors.
“This service will allow people to get to work and back, get to the store and back. Get to doctors appointments, dental appointments. It just takes down one more barrier in our fight to provide a better quality of living.”
Lac du Flambeau and Menominee tribes received grant funding from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation to help make the project a reality.
Tribal officials plan to eventually expand the service to Rhinelander, Antigo and Keshena on the Menominee Reservation.
