A local transportation option will be offered with no fare beginning the first Monday in November. The Community Thread Connector Loop is a fixed-route bus service in Stillwater and Oak Park Heights that operates every Monday from 10am-3pm, making five loops. Riders may get on and off at any of the stops and riders of all ages and income levels are welcome.
Due to inflation and other economic pressures, the bus loop will be free. According to Sally Anderson, Community Thread’s Executive Director, the advisory committee overseeing the service recommended eliminating the fare. “We recognize that costs are going up for so many essential needs, and we don’t want the fare to be a barrier to using the service. Besides shopping, riders should view the service as a way to get out in the community and connect with others. The fare they used to spend on the bus can go toward meeting a friend for a cup of coffee”.
The bus picks up riders at six senior housing facilities and travels an established route that was determined after surveying potential riders about their needs. Customized, on-demand stops are available by request. Riders who live within two blocks of the bus route may request to be picked up at their home by calling 651-789-6221 the Friday before the next Monday.
The service is made possible by the Hugh J. Andersen Foundation, Lakeview Hospital, Rotary Club of Stillwater, City of Stillwater, City of Oak Park Heights, and the Stillwater Lions Club. For over 55 years, Community Thread has connected people, neighborhoods, and lives together to strengthen the community. To learn more and see the bus schedule, visit www.CommunityThreadMN.org, or call 651-439-7434 to get a schedule.
Original source can be found here.
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