Benson Heartland Express

843-4293

City of Benson
1410 Kansas Avenue
Benson, MN 56215

Door to door transportation is provided to individuals within two (miles) of the city limits of Benson.

Tokens or passes may be purchased on the bus or at the front desk at City Hall located at:
1410 Kansas Avenue
Monday through Friday
8am-5pm.

Hours of Operation

Weekday Service (Monday-Friday)
7:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Please Call Before 4:30 p.m.

Weekend Service (Saturday & Sunday)
Saturday: 8:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Sunday: 7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Purchase tokens for riding Benson's Heartland Express at the city office.

Rates
Fares may be paid in cash or in tokens.
Regular one-way $1.00
Senior Citizen one-way $1.00
Senior Citizens are defined as 62 years of age or more.

Tokens are available in packages of:

Regular Token Package (7 Rides) $5.00
Senior Citizen Token Package (9 Rides) $5.00

Passes are also available for:

Regular 1 Month Pass (Unlimited Rides) $20.00
Senior Citizen 1 Month Pass (Unlimited Rides) $18.00
Regular 3 Month Pass (Any 3 Consecutive Months) $55.00
Senior Citizen 3 Month Pass (Any 3 Consecutive Months) $50.00
Summer Youth Rates-Single (Available only June, July, & August: Unlimited Rides) $30.00
Summer Youth Rates-Group (3 or more siblings with Unlimited Rides) $75.00

Rides may be obtained by dialing 843-4293 during hours of operation. Rides may also be Regularly Scheduled.

Comments & Concerns

Any comments and concerns about the Benson Heartland Express can be directed to the Benson City Hall at 843-4775.

No transit service is available on these holidays:

New Year's Day
Easter Sunday
Memorial Day
July 4th
Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day

History of the Heartland Express

The Benson Heartland Express began in 1976 and operated only a small van for the elderly, which continued through 1985. It developed into a transit program funded by the State of Minnesota and federal government under the Minnesota Public Transit Programs. There was one full time driver and operated from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, with a volunteer program on Sundays for church services. The bus was operated by a dial-a-ride system. The customer would call the City Office, who would then radio and dispatch the bus to its destination.

In the fall of 1986, Benson purchased a new mini-van with a wheelchair lift that was able to carry 16 passengers and also hired a second driver. The new bus had a phone system which allowed customers to directly call the bus for a ride. In November of that year, it increased the hours of service from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and also added four hours of service on Saturday mornings.

In January 1988, the transit system decided to add three part time drivers. This helped increase the number of residents who used the bus and it became apparent that another bus would be needed. In December of 1988, a 12 passenger bus with a wheelchair lift was added to the fleet. In early 1989, the old van that had started it all was put into service again to make commuter runs between Appleton and Benson. A third bus was then added in 1990 and used for a short time. The three buses were retired in 1994-95 when the City purchased three new buses, which are presently used.

In October of 1987, the Benson Heartland Express was awarded the State Transit System of the Year award. In August of 1989, the transit system was awarded the National Small Transit System of the Year award, which is based on the three previous years.

Currently the Heartland Express operates three buses, all having wheelchair lifts on each of them, and have a maximum capacity of 16 passengers.