VERMILION RESERVATION —Big Woods Transit showed off its fleet of all-new buses purchased with a $300,000 grant from the Federal Transportation Administration, along with matching funds provided by Fortune Bay Resort Casino. Big Woods will also be purchasing two additional buses or medical transport vans with the grant award.

Darren Landgren, transit dispatcher, said Big Woods already has the three new buses in service.

The buses, all 2017 E-450 Super Duty models, are all handicap- and wheelchair-accessible, and can seat up to four wheelchairs. The buses are all equipped with security cameras, for additional rider safety.

“We are hoping to do a special route for dialysis patients,” said transit manager Jennie Rowland. Big Woods is also certified to transport non-emergency medical patients.

The transit service has been steadily increasing their customer base over the six years they have been in operation. Big Woods now employs ten drivers and two others who work in adminstration/dispatching. Landgren estimated they provide about 600 trips per week (a roundtrip counts as two trips).

Big Woods held two open houses last week to celebrate the new buses, one at Nett Lake and one at Vermilion. People got to check out the new vehicles, and learn more about the services that Big Woods provides.

Big Woods provides regular commuter service, dial-a-ride services, and routes to area food shelves and Ruby’s Pantry food distributions, and even two routes to bingo events in Cook and Virginia.

The most popular routes, according to Landgren, are the Saturday trips from Nett Lake, Orr, and Cook to Virginia for shopping, as well as the Thursday night run to the bingo at the Cook VFW.

Daily commuter routes run from Nett Lake to Fortune Bay, as do regular routes between Nett Lake/Orr and Cook. Complete routes and schedules are available online at www.bigwoodstransit.com, or by calling 1-888-757-1540.

Dial-a-ride service can be arranged by calling dispatch from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.

Big Woods staff is more than happy to help explain how the service works, as well as the pricing. Roundtrips range from $2- $8. Commuter and dial-a-ride services are available.

By using public transportation you are helping to reduce carbon emissions, saving gas money for yourself, and letting your car take a break by keeping its mileage low. Enjoy a clean, comfortable ride, take a nap and relax in the comfort of the new buses, now in service.

Big Woods Transit has been in service for six years. They provide commuter services for employees in the region with park-n-rides located at Zup’s Grocery in Cook and at The Dam Restaurant at the intersection of Hwy 53 and Cty. Rd. 23. They also offer a demand response service throughout the region and are available for contracts.

Big Woods provide services to Ruby’s Pantry, the Cook Food Shelf and the Tower Food Shelf. Information regarding Big Woods routes, services, and fares can be found at www.bigwoodstransit. com or on their Facebook page.